Rossland's history includes stories of wild fortunes, great losses, and remarkable feats, dating back to the exciting and turbulent gold rush era of the late 1800s.
Rossland Mining History
Although the city's first claims staked in 1887 proved to be of little value, persistence paid off. In 1890, Moris & Bourgeois staked the Le Roi claim on Red Mountain. Excitement began to surge through the camp, and Ross Thompson pre-empted a town site which he first called "Thompson" but quickly changed to Rossland. An illustrious and profitable mining industry existed in the area for nearly four decades. Rossland's respect for its hardworking heritage is reflected in the preserved historic buildings dotted around town, and the many festivals and events honouring the history of this "Golden City".
Historic Walking Tours
Pick up a Historical Heritage Walking Tour brochure from the Rossland Visitor Centre, and take a stroll past buildings dating back to the gold rush era. Admire the architecture and learn about the history and purpose of the thirty remaining heritage buildings in town that were constructed before 1929. This substantial number of maintained or renovated buildings indicates just how formidable a hub Rossland was at the time. In fact, by 1897, the boomtown boasted four banks, 17 law firms, seven newspapers, 42 saloons, a stock exchange and a population of 7,000 people.
Rossland Museum
The more technical and fundamental aspects of the city's gold mining history in town are well-preserved at the Rossland Museum and Gold Mine Tour.
The Le Roi gold mine was the most famous of all claims staked on Red Mountain, and grossed close to than $30 million during its existence. The rich ore values eventually depleted, and the mine closed in 1929, after almost forty years of operation. However, parts of the gold mine have been restored and the Le Roi remains the only hard-rock underground gold mine in Canada open to the public.
The museum features a Ski Wing, Cominco History Wing (dedicated to the history of this Canadian mining company), a bottle room, geology building, general store and post office. Get a sense of what life for the miners was like, or watch the kids pan for gold. The Rossland Museum and Gold Mine Tour is open between mid-May and mid-September. Check at the Visitor Centre for more details.