Belcher Camp, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belcher Camp, Washington
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 Belcher Camp, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Belcher Camp, Washington
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Ferry |
| Founded | approx. 1897 |
| Population
(1906)
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| • Total | 72 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Belcher Camp was once a small, busy mining town in Ferry County, Washington, United States. Today, it's known as a ghost town, which means it's a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and memories. Belcher Camp was located near Lambert Creek, about ten miles northeast of a town called Republic.
Contents
The Start of Belcher Camp
Belcher Camp began around 1897. This was after people discovered valuable Iron ore in the area. Iron ore is a rock from which we can get iron, a very important metal. The discovery of this ore brought many people hoping to find work and make a living.
Mining Operations Begin
Soon after the iron ore was found, a company called the Belcher Mountain Mining Company started working there. They set up mining operations to dig out the ore. This company was the main reason the town grew. Miners came to work for the company, and soon, a small community formed around the mine.
Life in the Mining Town
By 1906, Belcher Camp had a population of about 72 people. Even though it was a small town, it had important services for the miners and their families.
What Belcher Camp Had
The town had a post office, which was important for sending and receiving letters. There was also a large bunkhouse, a building where many single miners lived together. A general store sold food, tools, and other supplies that people needed. There were also five or six houses for families.
The Belcher Mountain Railroad
One special feature of Belcher Camp was its own railroad line, called the Belcher Mountain Railroad. This railroad was very important for the mine. It helped transport the iron ore from the mine to other places where it could be processed or sold. It also helped bring supplies into the town.
Why Belcher Camp Became a Ghost Town
Like many mining towns, Belcher Camp's future depended on the mine. When the mine stopped being profitable or ran out of ore, the town began to disappear.
The Mine Closes Down
Eventually, the Belcher Mountain Mining Company's mine folded. This means it stopped operating, likely because there wasn't enough ore left to make it worth mining, or the price of iron dropped. When the mine closed, most people lost their jobs.
People Move Away
With no work, people started to leave Belcher Camp to find jobs elsewhere. Over time, the houses became empty, the store closed, and the post office shut down. The town slowly became deserted, turning into the ghost town it is today.
