Coal towns in the Cascades a centennial history of Roslyn and Cle Elum, Washington


Title Cover Image: Coal towns in the Cascades

From Coal Mine to Recreational In the early 1880s, the Northern Pacific Railroad discovered coal in Roslyn, Washington. By 1886, mining coal in Roslyn became the company's top priority. The coal mines attracted a diverse workforce from across America and Europe. Each group, along with their hopes and dreams for a better life, brought their own culture, cuisine and customs, many of which are still in evidence today.Coal mining operations ceased in 1963. After more than 63 million tons of coal had been mind from the Roslyn coal field, Roslyn became a town with no industry. Over time, Seattlites, seeking sunny skies and fresh mountain air stimulated an increased demand for recreational property. As people began to discover the great natural beauty of the areas close to Seattle, tourism began to grow. People became enchanted with the area's history and its four-season recreational opportunities.The resort community of Suncadia was created on a 6,300-acre piece of property, southwest of Roslyn, which includes Mines No. 9 and No. 10. Suncadia is owned by subsidiaries of JELD-WEN, PacTrust and Lowe Enterprises. The goal of Suncadia LLC was to develop a four-season destination resort, while preserving the beauty and history of the land. An important component of the resort is the Rope Rider golf course, so named as a tribute to the coal miners, who precariously balanced themselves on the coal cars that maneuvered the steep slopes of the mine shafts. The enduring legacy of the Rope Riders is woven into the design, architecture and personality of the Roper Rider Clubhouse.

Author(s): John C. Shideler
Document: Book · Hardcover · CIRC [ 1 ]
Edition: 1st Edition
Published: 1986
Physical Description: [8], 151 pages : illustrations, chart, portraits; 29 cm
Genre: History
Subjects:

Cle Elum Region (Wash.) History, Coal mines and mining, Coal mines and mining Washington (State) Cle Elum Region History, Coal mines and mining Washington (State) Roslyn Region History, History, Roslyn Region (Wash.) History, Washington (State) Cle Elum Region, Washington (State) Roslyn Region

Related Places: City of Roslyn City of Cle Elum Kittitas County

 

Circulation

Here are a list of places where this title can be found and the various formats it can be found in.

Collection Resource Available Edition Published Publisher
The Cascade District: Encyclopedia Library Book Hardcover 1st Edition 1986 Melior Publications

 

Last updated: 2026-09-12