Hidden Homesteads - Kamloops Trails

Hidden Homesteads – Kamloops Trails

Doug Smith  November 21, 2020 at 9:01 am

By researching we can narrow down the probable location of homesteads established under the Homestead Act (1872).    Settlers arrived later, especially up in the hills where farming and ranching is a marginal opportunity.   Under the terms of the Act, a quarter section was available for $10 and rights to the property were conditional on developing the land with a home and established farm or range improvements.    Many of the homesteaders stayed for a few years, but most left for the cities or better farmlands.    Many were purchased by ranchers.

Most of the old buildings are now more than 100 years old.    Roofs have collapsed and doors and windows are gone.    We quietly go into the hills and explore the old homesteads, taking nothing but photos, leaving nothing but temporary footprints.

This second building was about 1 km away in a hidden valley, one of 5 buildings.

One of the old buildings had no roof and trees were growing around and into the ruin.

This smaller building was probably an outbuilding, situated on the edge of the hill.

Door frames and window frames often stand after the roof has collapsed.

Nearby one of the homesteads was a pond, a source of water for the homesteaders and their livestock.

This exploration was about 5 km into the hills and back.   The location is not shared, on purpose.    Homesteads will last with less visitors.   Access to some of the areas may require permission.   The homestead buildings will be experienced by only a few, and may still be standing for a while yet.

 

 

 

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Doug Smith

Doug writes for Kamloops Trails, a not-for-profit (and ad free) website, offering information on trails, waterways, routes, featured spots, viewpoints, and explorations in the outdoors in the Kamloops area (and beyond).

Doug started exploring this area in 1976 and continues to follow tracks and routes wherever they lead, with the aid of map, compass, GPSr and camera. After many dead-ends, but also many discoveries, he chose to share this information.

The Kamloops Trails website has a massive number of interesting posts and would be of interest to anyone in Kamloops who enjoys the outdoors. Visit the Kamloops Trails website at: http://www.kamloopstrails.ca/

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