The Columbia River in Upheaval
Unprecedented flooding devastates communities along the Columbia River, washing away homes, bridges, and livelihoods.
“You can't imagine it unless you see it. It is a perfect sea from mountain to mountain.”
Stories from Okanogan
17 storiesShowing Okanogan only. Show the whole archive · browse other towns
The Swarm Descends on Okanogan
Farmers in Okanogan County are battling a historic infestation of grasshoppers that threatens the region's entire wheat yield.
“Hordes of grasshoppers, the largest number that ever invaded Eastern Washington, are now being fought by the wheat farmers.”
A Botched Rescue on the Okanogan Road
A deputy's long ride to arrest a suspected murderer ended in a roadside gunfight, with the prisoner shot dead—apparently by his own son—and the young man still at large.
“Paine was seized without much trouble and handcuffed, but his daughter appeared on the scene with a couple of revolvers and made things lively for Hubbard and Aiken.”
The Okanogan Murder Mystery
A brutal killing on the frontier leaves a community searching for answers.
“The freighter was found dead, horribly mutilated and his heart stuck up on the end of a pole near the house.”
Virginia Bill’s Riverbed Gold Rush
An enterprising miner plans to use a steamer’s machinery to pull gold from the Okanogan River, boasting a massive payout before winter arrives.
“A novel scheme is being undertaken by Mr. William Covington, commonly known as 'Virginia Bill,' by which he proposes to engage in hydraulic mining on an extensive scale.”
Chief Moses Demands His Land—and a Hearing
A Columbia chief says the government cannot take back a reservation just because his people refused to move onto it; the cabinet agrees he has grounds.
“The treaty does not afford an excuse for taking land away. The land granted under this treaty vested properly, and the title is not lost because it is not used.”
A Boy’s Close Encounter on the Mountainside
A thirteen-year-old boy faced a black bear on a mountain path, leading to a harrowing struggle that left a young rescuer wounded but on the mend.
“The bear showing a disposition to chew up the lad... the elder boy jumped down and was willing to give battle.”
Bethune’s Report Chronicles Washington’s Early Gold Discoveries
A state geologist’s 1891 report reveals the immense mineral promise of Washington, dreaming of a future where steel mills line the mountains and industrial progress transforms the rugged wilderness.
“To me it appears that we of this generation are living in an era of stone and iron as far as the architectural feature of the generation is concerned.”
Tragedy on the Okanogan
A young businessman loses his life in a horse-crossing accident, leaving his community in shock.
“The deceased was an exemplary young man and his death comes as a severe shock to the entire community.”
The Russian Thistle Invasion
Okanogan County declares war on an invasive weed threatening local agriculture.
“A campaign against the dangerous weed cannot be inaugurated any too soon, nor pushed with too much vigor.”
Relocating Nuisance Beavers to Save Orchards
Game commission transplants beavers from Okanogan orchards to mountain streams to prevent damage and boost water conservation.
“The animals were taken from the Okanogan and Twisp rivers at points where they had begun making depredations.”
The Sheriff’s New Sunday Prohibition
Okanogan County’s sheriff announces a strict enforcement of Sunday saloon closures, breaking from long-standing local precedent.
“The action of the sheriff may not meet with the approval of all the people in that business throughout the county, but the sheriff has the right to enforce the law.”
A Frontier Prospector Finds Her Own Vein
Mrs. W. Miller returns to Seattle from the mines of Okanogan County, credited by her husband for discovering a high-quality ore vein during their summer development work.
“Mrs. Miller has spent a great deal of time in the mountains with her husband and has become quite an expert on ores.”
Bringing Water to the Okanogan
A new twenty-mile irrigation ditch promises to transform arid lands into fertile ground for hops and fruit.
“This land will also grow the best of fruit, including peaches and grapes, and will produce alfalfa hay at the rate of seven to ten tons per acre.”
The Empty Commissioner's Chair
A legal dispute over who has the authority to fill county vacancies leaves Okanogan and Douglas counties short-handed.
“The singular condition is causing quite a deal of speculation in this section.”
Crossing the Cascades on a Shoestring
A state commission pivots from building a failed mountain road to creating a simple pack-animal trail.
“Mr. Cryderman, now chairman of the commission, frankly admits that the affairs were badly managed and that some money was wasted.”
A Fatal Quarrel Over a Wife Goes to the Jury in Okanogan
Max Haas's murder trial ends after midnight, with a packed courtroom waiting on the verdict.
“who on December 25 shot Joseph Patek dead in a quarrel over Patek's wife”
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