A Brief History of Ferry County

While Ferry County was not officially established until 1899, its roots in Washington State history extend far deeper. The area that is now Ferry County was first settled by numerous Indian tribes, most predominantly the bands now comprising the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The Hudson’s Bay Trading Company established their fur trading operation in 1825 with the creation of Fort Colville. When the company went bankrupt many employees remained in the area. In 1892 the United States Government purchased the northern half of the Colville Reservation and it was opened up to gold prospectors, then to homesteaders and logging in 1900. Adult white inhabitants were given 160 acres each.

The first townsite was established by the Nelson brothers when they took their profitable trading business from the Colville Reservation north to the Canadian border. This was done to increase business by including the booming miners and prospectors.

Originally, the area of Ferry County was part of Stevens County, but with the influx of prospectors and miners, residents argued that they deserved their own county complete with wagon trails. So, in 1899 Ferry County was established. The town of Republic was named its county seat. The county was named after the first governor of Washington, Elisha P. Ferry. At the time, there were 4,562 residents.

Due to their self sufficient ways, the residents of Ferry County were affected far less than the majority of the United States during the Great Depression. While the gold mining industry began to decline during the early 1900’s, the timber industry remained strong and in 1930, roads were built into the previously untouched Colville National Forest.

Presently, Ferry County retains much of its initial charm. It happens to be the least populated county in the state with only 3.4 people per square mile. While the area may seem sparsely populated, it is a hub of historic architecture; many buildings remain from the area’s early days and are included in the United States Historic Registry.

 

Last updated on: March 31, 2009