Two new interpretative spots have recently been created in Rossland to mark sites significant to Rossland’s early years when it was Canada’s largest gold mining center.
The first one is located beside the Wagon Road on a viewpoint above the Redstone subdivision. The title of the signage reads, “The Historic Trail Creek Valley”, and panels describe the various modes of transportation that used the valley as the corridor from the Columbia River and the river boat docking at Trail Creek Landing (Trail today) to the mining camp of Rossland. Information and pictures tell of the Dewdney Trail, the Wagon Road and the Columbia and Western Railway. This site is accessed from the old Wagon Road which begins at the bottom of Esling Drive in Rossland and continues down to Warfield.
The Louie Joe interpretative site is beside the new walking trail in lower Rossland that is named in honour of the last Chinese pedlar to sell vegetables door to door in Rossland that were grown in the Chinese Gardens, - Louie Joe. The bench and signage provide a spot of rest, relaxation and interest overlooking what was once 70 acres of market gardens. Access to the site and the wonderful walking trail is just off the intersection of Thompson Avenue and Washington Street.
The Rossland Heritage Commission is pleased to have spearheaded the development of these interpretative sites that are visual reminders of Rossland’s golden era and thank both Tourism Rossland and the Columbia Basin Trust for their sponsorship and financial support.