Metaline, Washington — Railroad Chose the Other Town

Metaline was the older mining settlement.

Then the railroad favored Metaline Falls across the river.

Prospectors had entered the northern Pend Oreille country during the nineteenth century, with lead and zinc eventually proving more important than early dreams of gold.

Metaline developed on the west bank.

When rail service reached the district in the early twentieth century, industrial development concentrated more heavily in the newer community of Metaline Falls.

Metaline did not disappear.

Mining supported residents for decades, and the town incorporated in 1948.

As the industry declined, population fell sharply.

Being first did not guarantee Metaline would become the larger town.

It did guarantee a history separate from the neighbor that got the tracks.