Semiahmoo Spit: Difference between revisions
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=='''Semiahmoo Spit, WA'''== |
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Semiahmoo Spit is a [[spit (landform)]] that protrudes from the westernmost expanse of shore along [[Drayton Harbor]] in the city of [[Blaine, WA]] located in [[Whatcom County, WA]]. It is oriented toward the northeast, which means the direction of [[longshore drift]] is northeasterly. One mile to the north of the tip of the spit is the border between the United States and Canada. Approximately four miles to the northeast of the tip of the spit is the city of [[White Rock, British Colombia]]. The spit is approximately 1.25 miles long and contains approximately 125 acres of land. |
Semiahmoo Spit is a [[spit (landform)]] that protrudes from the westernmost expanse of shore along [[Drayton Harbor]] in the city of [[Blaine, WA]] located in [[Whatcom County, WA]]. It is oriented toward the northeast, which means the direction of [[longshore drift]] is northeasterly. One mile to the north of the tip of the spit is the border between the United States and Canada. Approximately four miles to the northeast of the tip of the spit is the city of [[White Rock, British Colombia]]. The spit is approximately 1.25 miles long and contains approximately 125 acres of land. |
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==='''History'''=== |
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In 1858, prospectors came to the Semiahmoo area searching for the [[Fraser River]]. The spit seemed like a logical place to set up a post as a launching point for further exploration into the mainland. A trading post was soon established at the spit, and the owner drew up plans for Semiahmoo City. Semiahmoo was expected to become a migration boomtown, but it eventually developed into a fishing town, as the spit provided shelter for Drayton Harbor and an abundance of coastal resources. Whatcom County's first salmon cannery opened in 1881 in Semiahmoo; in 1891, the Alaska Packers Association was the largest salmon cannery in the world. [[Salmon]] canning was to be the main source of revenue in Semiahmoo until 1980, when the land was purchased by the land development corporation. Recently, the Semiahmoo Resort and Golf Course was built near the spit. |
In 1858, prospectors came to the Semiahmoo area searching for the [[Fraser River]]. The spit seemed like a logical place to set up a post as a launching point for further exploration into the mainland. A trading post was soon established at the spit, and the owner drew up plans for Semiahmoo City. Semiahmoo was expected to become a migration boomtown, but it eventually developed into a fishing town, as the spit provided shelter for Drayton Harbor and an abundance of coastal resources. Whatcom County's first salmon cannery opened in 1881 in Semiahmoo; in 1891, the Alaska Packers Association was the largest salmon cannery in the world. [[Salmon]] canning was to be the main source of revenue in Semiahmoo until 1980, when the land was purchased by the land development corporation. Recently, the Semiahmoo Resort and Golf Course was built near the spit. |
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==='''Use of the spit by the Lummi Indian Nation, and Current Archaeological Investigation'''=== |
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Because of its location, the spit provides access to countless resources that thrive in both the calm waters of Drayton Harbor, and the ocean currents through the [[Straight of Georgia]]. Historically,the Lummi Indian Nation used the spit for its natural resources; a major village was built on the spit. Today, [[shell midden]] is clearly visible in many places, on either side of the spit, as wave action has cut away at the shore, revealing historic artifacts. In 1999, the city of Blaine began a project to expand the wasterwater-treatment plant near the Semiahmoo Spit. The city of Blaine hired Golder Associates, an Atlanta-based archaeological firm, to oversee the expansion project. Upon the discovery of human remains and artifacts the project was not stopped as it should have been. Instead, approximately 400 truckloads of dirt were hauled to three acres of private property. The main archaeologist even moved dirt to his home in Denver to use as fill. A few mounds of dirt were left at the wastewater-treatment plant. Upon discovering that their ancestral remains were disturbed, the Lummi Indain Nation filed a lawsuit against Golder Associates in the amount of $4.25 million. A majority of that money has been used over the past nine years to recover human remains and artifacts, rebury remains, and carry out archaeological research. |
Because of its location, the spit provides access to countless resources that thrive in both the calm waters of Drayton Harbor, and the ocean currents through the [[Straight of Georgia]]. Historically,the Lummi Indian Nation used the spit for its natural resources; a major village was built on the spit. Today, [[shell midden]] is clearly visible in many places, on either side of the spit, as wave action has cut away at the shore, revealing historic artifacts. In 1999, the city of Blaine began a project to expand the wasterwater-treatment plant near the Semiahmoo Spit. The city of Blaine hired Golder Associates, an Atlanta-based archaeological firm, to oversee the expansion project. Upon the discovery of human remains and artifacts the project was not stopped as it should have been. Instead, approximately 400 truckloads of dirt were hauled to three acres of private property. The main archaeologist even moved dirt to his home in Denver to use as fill. A few mounds of dirt were left at the wastewater-treatment plant. Upon discovering that their ancestral remains were disturbed, the Lummi Indain Nation filed a lawsuit against Golder Associates in the amount of $4.25 million. A majority of that money has been used over the past nine years to recover human remains and artifacts, rebury remains, and carry out archaeological research. |
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==='''References'''=== |
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<ref> |
<ref>http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/wa/semiahmoo.html</ref> |
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<ref> |
<ref>http://www.nathpo.org/News/NAGPRA/News-NAGPRA49.html</ref> |
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<ref> |
<ref>http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl</ref> |
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<ref> |
<ref>http://www.satellite-sightseer.com/id/4642</ref> |
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--[[User:Ienjoysalmon|Ienjoysalmon]] ([[User talk:Ienjoysalmon|talk]]) 02:38, 16 May 2008 (UTC) |
--[[User:Ienjoysalmon|Ienjoysalmon]] ([[User talk:Ienjoysalmon|talk]]) 02:38, 16 May 2008 (UTC) |
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Revision as of 02:41, 16 May 2008
Semiahmoo Spit, WA
Semiahmoo Spit is a spit (landform) that protrudes from the westernmost expanse of shore along Drayton Harbor in the city of Blaine, WA located in Whatcom County, WA. It is oriented toward the northeast, which means the direction of longshore drift is northeasterly. One mile to the north of the tip of the spit is the border between the United States and Canada. Approximately four miles to the northeast of the tip of the spit is the city of White Rock, British Colombia. The spit is approximately 1.25 miles long and contains approximately 125 acres of land.
History
In 1858, prospectors came to the Semiahmoo area searching for the Fraser River. The spit seemed like a logical place to set up a post as a launching point for further exploration into the mainland. A trading post was soon established at the spit, and the owner drew up plans for Semiahmoo City. Semiahmoo was expected to become a migration boomtown, but it eventually developed into a fishing town, as the spit provided shelter for Drayton Harbor and an abundance of coastal resources. Whatcom County's first salmon cannery opened in 1881 in Semiahmoo; in 1891, the Alaska Packers Association was the largest salmon cannery in the world. Salmon canning was to be the main source of revenue in Semiahmoo until 1980, when the land was purchased by the land development corporation. Recently, the Semiahmoo Resort and Golf Course was built near the spit.
Use of the spit by the Lummi Indian Nation, and Current Archaeological Investigation
Because of its location, the spit provides access to countless resources that thrive in both the calm waters of Drayton Harbor, and the ocean currents through the Straight of Georgia. Historically,the Lummi Indian Nation used the spit for its natural resources; a major village was built on the spit. Today, shell midden is clearly visible in many places, on either side of the spit, as wave action has cut away at the shore, revealing historic artifacts. In 1999, the city of Blaine began a project to expand the wasterwater-treatment plant near the Semiahmoo Spit. The city of Blaine hired Golder Associates, an Atlanta-based archaeological firm, to oversee the expansion project. Upon the discovery of human remains and artifacts the project was not stopped as it should have been. Instead, approximately 400 truckloads of dirt were hauled to three acres of private property. The main archaeologist even moved dirt to his home in Denver to use as fill. A few mounds of dirt were left at the wastewater-treatment plant. Upon discovering that their ancestral remains were disturbed, the Lummi Indain Nation filed a lawsuit against Golder Associates in the amount of $4.25 million. A majority of that money has been used over the past nine years to recover human remains and artifacts, rebury remains, and carry out archaeological research.
References
--Ienjoysalmon (talk) 02:38, 16 May 2008 (UTC)