Did You Know?

What do you know about Sumas? Sumas, Washington, located on the U.S. /Canadian boundary was once an area covered by a swamp-like lake. Sumas (pronounced Soo’mass) means "land without trees". When the first white man stumbled upon Sumas, in approximately 1850, the area was inhabited by Indians belong to the tribe known as the Nooksacks. The first known white men entered the area around 1852. They were trappers, intent on finding new resources of beaver, bear and deer. There were no roads into Sumas. The only means of travel was water.

Sometime in the late 1870’s the first permanent settlers arrived in what is now Sumas with the intent to stay. Like the tourists who visit today, the first homesteader in Sumas, Robert T. Johnson, came because of the scenery. Three major railroads united at Sumas in 1891 making the area the hub for railroaders, prospectors and mill workers. These rails allowed direct service to and from Vancouver, B.C., Whatcom (now Bellingham) and Seattle. In 1891 the port of entry was established to watch over the border. In 1891 the port of entry was established to watch over the border.

In 1897 the community was rocketed by the discovery of gold in the Mt. Baker area.Practically, overnight gold fever hit Sumas. Within days the mountains were swarming with prospectors anxious to strike it rich. As the residence of the three men and the closest point of civilization, Sumas became the outfitting center for all this activity. Sumas exploded.

But you know how mining town's go.

Farming came in the area - Dairy Farmers sprouted up in our valley and still play an important role in the area's economy. Strawberries and Raspberries are also very inportant in growth here.

Sumas was also the setting of the horror-schlock feature film - "killer Bees".

So here are a few facts about my town. In the summer we have Sumas Days, Jr Rodeo, Car Shows and The Bull-a-rama.

Have a great day, happily knitting socks, Bye.