Located between Enumclaw and Cumberland along the Northern Pacific railroad, the town of Veazie has one of the more interesting and perhaps shortest histories in our area. Why Veazie? Coal mine speculation and rich timber resources - and timber came first. The town was logged in 1886 before being settled. By 1890, the town had a post office only to be closed in 1893 when no coal had yet been found. Following are two photos taken in 1890 showing Veazie and Russell's logging camp.
Photo courtesy of Washington State Historical Society, 1986.11.1.8, Edward Sather photographer, circa 1890
Their logging operations included 7 horse teams and crew for dragging felled logs from the forest to rail siding along a skid road. A pretty big operation.
Photo courtesy Washington State Historical Society, 1986.11.1.2, Edward Sather photographer, circa 1890
Somehow, the town hung on and a new vein of coal was eventually discovered in 1907, though it too appears to have been short lived. The Veazie School served as the town's most visible landmark and operated until at least 1909 before eventually being absorbed into the Enumclaw School District.
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