Republic has served as the seat of Ferry County in Northeast Washington since 1899 when the county was carved out of Stevens County. It is the richest mining region in the state of Washington.
History
Founded by gold prospectors, Republic is located about 30 miles south of the Canadian border in the foothills of the Kettle mountain range – registered its first mining claims in 1896 along Eureka Creek. This was made possible after the government purchased the northern half of the Colville Reservation in 1891 and opened it up for mineral claims on February 21, 1896.
Built by gold prospectors, the first settlements where the Sanpoil River meets Granite Creek were driven by the presence of gold-bearing quartz veins.
At its height, the district’s Republic Mine (located southwest of the city limits) was the biggest producer of gold in the US. However, by 1915, the town had lost half of its population due to a decline in gold reserves. The 4 million ounces of gold produced in this district in more than 100 years makes it a high interest area for any gold prospector.
The golden history of Republic is reflected in its heritage – every second weekend of June, locals celebrate Prospector’s Days (complete with gold panning activities) – cementing the significance of mining in this town.
Viable Areas for gold mining
The upper river basin of the Republic Mining District, stretching up about 4 miles north and 1 mile south of the city of Republic has been the epicentre of mining operations. The area runs north on the Knob Hill–Trout Creek Road, curves eastward, then southeast below Curlew Lake to meet the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway before looping westward.
It’s important to note that although land use statuses are constantly changing, most of the land where the mines mentioned below are located is privately held, and others are held under federal mining claim. There is limited ground for the casual prospector in this area.
Key Areas
Mines
Notable mines that were highly productive in the district include the Mountain Lion Mine, Flag Hill Mine, Knob Hill Mine and Republic Mine, with numerous claims spread across the district. The mines below had documented gold deposits while most had a combination of gold and other minerals in their ores.
Klondike Mountain
Flag Hill
Wabash Creek
Mud Lake
Copper Mountain
Eureka Gulch
Granite Creek
Others
Gold-bearing Waterways
The waters in Republic drain through granite rock that is rich in gold and other minerals making them perfect for placer mining. This city is located in a mountainous region with numerous small creeks flowing through the Republic Mining District. While nearly all of the commercial gold production in Republic has come from hard rock mines, there is still gold that can be panned and sluiced from the creeks and rivers.
Sanpoil River
The Sanpoil River contains gold in varying quantities as it snakes through Republic. While it’s possible to find gold at many points along the river, its confluence with the Columbia River provided the best deposits of placer gold.
Granite Creek
This tributary of the Sanpoil river, flowing from west of Republic city has been known to have some of the richest gold deposits with alluvial gold being common.
Eureka Creek
Another small tributary of the Sanpoil, significant amounts of placer gold are found in this river that flows to the southeast of town.
Also Read: Gold in Liberty | Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
And: Follow the “Old Timers” to Find New Gold Prospecting Areas
The Rundown
While Republic has seen its fair share of mining booms and busts, the resilience of this community has been turning the tide in any gold prospector’s favor. With a little persistence, the mines, mountains and rivers in this mining district may hold treasure in abundance.
A recent discovery from a large company indicates the area has the potential to reward prospectors with a knack for gold. The fate of the town is highly dependent on mining. In a district where lode and placer mining are widespread, the areas northwest of the city are particularly productive and can be quite rewarding.
