1

Looking West along Baker Street
1891
Nelson, B.C

2

In 1886 one log cabin, belonging to Arthur Bunting, stood in the vicinity of the site that one day would become Nelson. After the discovery of the Silver King, between 300 and 400 men camped in shanties along Ward Creek during the winter of 1887-88. By 1889 there were 100 dwellings and a few commercial establishments, but Nelson was a primitive place to live in those early days.

3

The Spar Photo of Nelson, looking West.
1890
Nelson, B.C

4

Between 1891 and 1895, mining developed and the town acquired a more permanent character; frame buildings were constructed and various businesses sprang up to serve the growing population. Nelson was incorporated as a city in 1897 and a more diversified industrial base developed. The period 1896-1914 witnessed the establishment of many of Nelson's impressive civic buildings.

5

View of Waterfront
1891
Nelson, B.C

6

View of Nelson from the North Shore of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.
1891
Nelson, B.C

7

Looking West from Gyro Park Lookout
1899
Nelson, B.C

8

Nelson, from the North Shore of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake
1898
Nelson, B.C

9

Looking West from Gyro Park Lookout
1899
Nelson, B.C

10

Looking West over the city from Uphill
1920
Nelson, B.C

11

View of Nelson from the North Shore of the West Arm, looking southwest
1950
Nelson, B.C

12

The demise of the Silver King did not spell death for the city - a fate that befell many other mining towns. Numerous other mines were productive, agriculture and forestry developed in the region, and Nelson had established itself as a regional centre and a focal point in the transportation network. Today the legend of the Silver King lives on in terms of its industrial, economic and social impact.

13

Panorama Looking West
1960
Nelson, B.C

14

View of Nelson on a cold January morning
January, 2005
Nelson, B.C