This series highlights locations in Skagit County. These communities were formed in the early 1870's remaining up until the 1920's. Many of the names still appear on maps. A few have buildings remaining in use today. These communities and many others can be found on https:/www.skagitcounty.net/Maps/iMap/?mapjs=hist
McMurray was accessible only by trail from Conway east over the hill until the rail line was built. As the surveyors for the railway were marking out the route along the west side of the lake, Dr. Marcus Kenyon platted a town site on the southwest edge of Lake McMurray. Before the rails were laid there were already a hotel, store, and post office, and by the time the trains were running a mill had been built and the town was ready to go into business.
After its founding in 1890, it suffered all the fluctuations to which a town devoted to logging and milling is subject, especially in 1893 and the years immediately following. It had its greatest days between 1896 and 1920 when the giant Atlas Shingle and Lumber Company was logging the hills, turning the timber into shingles and lumber, and shipping out its products to the far away markets which were made accessible by the rails.
McMurray did not incorporate until about 1910 but long before that it had churches (Catholic, Congregational, and Episcopal) several lodges, and a school.
When the local supply of timber was gone the Atlas mill closed and the town became a quiet village in a magnificent setting beside a gem-like lake reflecting the mountains which rise above it to the east.
A Gas Station/ Store located nearby was built in 1889 then rebuilt in 1954. Many original homes still exist nearby including the one adjacent to the store was built in 1904. The store owner has many pictures showing other homes and businesses.
Permission was granted by the Little Free Library owner. .
More information available at Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner.