Boundary, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boundary, Washington
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 Boundary, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Boundary, Washington
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Stevens |
| Population
(1890s)
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| • Total | approx. 900 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Boundary was once a busy place in Stevens County, Washington. It was located very close to the border with Canada. The town was also near the famous Columbia River. Today, Boundary is known as a ghost town. This means it's a place where almost everyone has left, and it's mostly empty.
Contents
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a town that has been mostly or completely abandoned. People leave for many reasons. Sometimes, a mine closes, or a railroad moves. When the main reason for the town's existence disappears, so do the people.
The Story of Boundary
How Boundary Started
Boundary began as a camp for railroad workers. These workers were building a new railroad line. They needed a place to live and get supplies. So, a small town grew up around their camp.
Boundary's Busy Years
The busiest time for Boundary was during the 1890s. At its peak, about 900 people lived there. This was a lot of people for a small town back then. The railroad construction kept the town active and full of life.
Why Boundary Vanished
The railroad workers were building a bridge over the wild Pend Oreille River. Once the bridge was finished, their job in Boundary was done. The workers quickly moved on to the next project. With the railroad workers gone, the town became deserted.
Life in Boundary
Even though it was a temporary town, Boundary had important buildings. It had the Boundary Hotel, where people could stay. There was also a post office for mail. A general store sold food and other supplies. These places served the needs of the railroad workers and other residents.
The New Boundary
After the original town became empty, a new settlement appeared. It was called "New Boundary." This new town was built a bit south of the old site. Over time, the original town of Boundary completely disappeared.
