Roslyn in Kittitas County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Roslyn Coal Mining
In 1886, Northern Pacific Railroad mining engineers located large seams of coal and the town of Roslyn was founded.
Coal mining, though dirty and dangerous work, attracted large numbers of immigrants to Roslyn – Serbians, Croatians, Poles, Italians, Lithuanians, and others. During an 1888 strike, the Northern Pacific Coal Company brought in hundreds of African Americans as strikebreakers. Despite the rough reception, many made Roslyn their home.
In the first decades of the twentieth century, competition from other mining regions and sources of energy, such as oil, led to a slow decline in coal mining in Roslyn. In 1963, economics forced the closure of the last large commercial mine in the area. Today, four-fifths of the coal deposits remain unmined.
Erected by Washington Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 52.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 47° 13.347′ N, 120° 59.702′ W. Marker is in Roslyn, Washington, in Kittitas County. Marker is on West Pennsylvania Avenue, 0.1 miles west of North 1st Street (Washington Road 903), on the right when traveling west. The marker is located next to the Roslyn Museum, in front of the outdoor displays of mining equipment. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 West Pennsylvania Ave, Roslyn WA 98941, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Douglas A. Munro (approx. 2.4 miles away).
Regarding Roslyn Coal Mining. In 1978, the Roslyn Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Roslyn National Historic District – Roslyn, Kittitas County was nominated to the Trust’s Most Endangered Historic Properties List for 2010.
The City of Roslyn is a National, State and Local Historic District. Many structures suffer from deferred maintenance and neglect, in some cases resulting in demolition. Furthermore, the Historic District is endangered by the continuing loss of the thousands of acres of forested perimeter surrounding the town. Sales of forest land to private investors and development companies have already affected Roslyn’s historic resources. Without consideration to the town’s historic core, additional development, if unchecked, may continue to erode the historic fabric that makes Roslyn one of Washington’s truly unique and significant historic centers.
Also see . . .
1. Roslyn Historical Museum. Website homepage:
The museum is a reflection of Roslyn, a richly seasoned ethnic mix that once represented more than 20 nationalities. Coal became the common denominator looming larger than language barriers or culture. The result was a way of life unique to company towns. (Submitted on November 26, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
2. Roslyn, Washington. Preserve America Community website entry (Submitted on November 26, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
3. Northern Exposure (TV Series 1990 - 1995) - IMDb. After the coal mines closed, the former coal company town had a second life as the location for the exterior filming of Northern Exposure. Still today (2010) tourists visit to see the locations of the fictional town of 'Cicely'. (Submitted on November 26, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,993 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on November 26, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.