Richter Pass facts for kids
Richter Pass is a mountain pass located in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Canada. It sits south of the main Highway 3, also known as the Crowsnest Highway. This pass connects two important areas: the Similkameen Valley in the west and the South Okanagan in the east.
The pass is about 650 meters (or 2,130 feet) above sea level. While the actual pass is crossed by Old Richter Pass Road, the name "Richter Pass" is often used to describe the route of Highway 3 through this area as well.
Where is Richter Pass Located?
Richter Pass is found between the towns of Keremeos to the west and Osoyoos to the east. It crosses the southernmost part of a large area called the Thompson Plateau. This location makes it a key link for travel and trade between these two different valleys.
How Did Richter Pass Get Its Name?
The pass was named after a nearby mountain, Richter Mountain. This mountain, and then the pass, were named to honor an important early settler in the region, Francis Xavier Richter. He was a pioneer who played a big role in the early development of the area.
Who Was Francis Xavier Richter?
Francis Xavier Richter was an early cattle rancher and orchardist. He moved to the region during the time when British Columbia was still a colony, before it became part of Canada.
Richter first worked for the Hudson's Bay Company at their post in Keremeos. His job there was to take care of their packhorses, which were very important for transporting goods in those days. Later, he started his own ranching and fruit-growing businesses.
Today, his family still owns the Richter Ranch. This ranch covers a large area of mountain rangeland in the region, continuing the legacy that Francis Xavier Richter started many years ago.
