Walking Tour of Historical Sites in Wilkeson
Written by Margot Tsakonasis
In the late 19th century, the discovery of coal generated an economic “boom” as the Northern Pacific Railway and the Port of Tacoma envisioned a grand future for Tacoma and for their respective companies. Geologists, working for the railroad company, discovered the coal and explored the area up to and onto the Carbon Glacier (long before parts of the area became a national park.) Today, mining is ended but artefacts of that era remain. Additionally, huge sandstone deposits were discovered, and quarried starting in the 1880’s up to the present. See more about the history of Wilkeson on the Town’s website.
Let’s start the tour!
As you enter town, the Sandstone archway welcomes you and declares Wilkeson to be the Gateway to the Carbon Glacier. Originally erected in 1925, it sustained damage in 2001 from the Nisqually Earthquake and was renovated in 2004. It commemorates the town’s history, but also evokes the present-day recreational and scientific opportunities. Upon your departure, take note of the slogan “Remember Wilkeson”.
Park in the lot next to City Hall. Contemplate the large sandstone monument to “Skookum Slope” which was carved in 2009 by Yelm artist Paul Keeslar. The top panel depicts a miner leaning on a coal car coming out of the Skookum Slope mine. The bottom one shows a stonecutter sitting under a tent awning on the face of the Wilkeson quarry. Both images are of real people, taken from old photographs. The sandstone itself was laid down by an ancient lake or sea about 50 million years ago. Next to it is the memorial to the hundreds of miners who lost their lives in the coal mines. Contemplate also, un-memorialized, the Chinese workers who also were seeking a better life—and who were forcibly evicted in 1885 (as were the Chinese residents of Tacoma).
Walk down Railroad Street to the elementary school, built also from local sandstone in 1912. Imagine how impressive it would have looked to the small children of the European immigrants who worked the mines.
Further on Railroad Street are remains of the “coke” ovens, which were used to process the coal. There is an interpretive sign there outlining the use of the ovens.
On Long Street, the Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Church stands as a reminder of the traditional faith of many of the immigrants who worked the mines.
City Hall, the archway, the elementary school, the coke ovens, and the church are all registered as National Historic Places.
When you get back to the parking lot, go across the street and enjoy a home made soda, a meal, or a specialty coffee at one of the local restaurants. Hours are limited - so make sure to check ahead!
Consider yourself visiting and learning now, and the part of Wilkeson history you are a part of! If you want to learn more, check out the Foothills Historical Museum.