This series highlights locations in Skagit County.
Within a 2 1/2 mile radius of here there were some 12 Shingle mills that sprang up when the Great Northern Railroad was built in 1890. Most logs were from the important English Logging Company that was spread throughout the hills east of here.
In 1908 Milltown had 3 large shingle mills, 3 saloons, grocery store and post office, 2 hotels, short order restaurant, dance hall, Modern Woodmen of America [MWA] hall, railroad stop, and a well built grade school on the hill to the east.
Around 1915 the fine stands of cedar and fir played out and by 1930 all the industries except dairy farms were gone and Milltown reverted to ghost town status.
Information was provided by the Sedro-Woolley Museum and from the Skagit River Journal. (http://skagitriverjournal.com). Photos provided by the Skagit County Historical Museum.
Check the Gallery for a couple additional pictures. Photos courtesy of the Skagit County Historical Museum.