Rossland BC
Rossland is located in the southern West Kootenay region of B.C. Tucked in Rossland Range, Rossland is at an elevation of 1023 meters, making it Canada's second highest Alpine City -- Kimberley is just a bit higher. Today the population is around 3700 and Rossland is a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Opportunities for downhill, cross-country and backcountry skiing are endless and when the snow goes, biking, hiking and walking trails are extensive and well marked.
Gold was discovered in Red Mountain in 1890 and in 1892 a prospector by the name of Ross Thompson preempted a townsite for the mining camp, calling it Rossland because the name Thompson was already taken elsewhere. The gold ore deposits were deemed rich and in good supply so the necessary financing and infrastructure for hard rock mining were put in place. By the end of 1895, there were two railways serving the mines (one American and one Canadian) and a smelter built down the hill in Trail. The population of Rossland went from 300 to 3000 in 1895 and in 1897 the City of Rossland was incorporated with a population of 7000 - the premier gold mining center of Canada. The mines closed in 1929 but there is much evidence today of Rossland's significant resource town past in the heritage buildings and sites.
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• A special thank you to Jackie Drysdale for her assistance with the content for this article.
