Hours
Mon & Fri: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Tue – Thu: 9:30am – 7:00pm
Sat: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Sun: Closed
Location
Trail Museum & Archives
Riverfront Centre
1505 Bay Avenue
Trail, BC V1R 4B2
Welcome
In 1890, the discovery of gold and copper ore on the face of Red Mountain by Joe Moris and Joe Bourgeois was the single most important event in the history of Trail and Rossland area. The five claims then staked led to the rise of Rossland as the premier mining centre in North America and the birth of Trail.
At the same time, Eugene Sayre Topping and his friend Frank Hanna purchased 343 acres at the mouth of Trail Creek on the Columbia River and surveyed a townsite. The Rossland mines proved to be very rich in gold and copper ore and the lots in the Trail Creek townsite sold briskly. In 1895, a smelter was built on the bench above Trail to process the Rossland ores. Trail's fate was thus sealed.
The town of Trail Creek was incorporated as a city in 1901. The smelter later grew to be the largest lead-zinc smelter in the world and with that, the City grew and prospered. Learn more about the history of Trail →
Explore the Site
Discover Trail's Heritage
Museum & Archives
Three galleries, an extensive archival holding, and a well-stocked gift shop.
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Sports Hall of Memories
Honouring Trail's rich sports heritage since 1979, including the legendary Smoke Eaters.
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History of Trail
From a gold rush in 1890 to the world's largest lead-zinc smelter — Trail's remarkable story.
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Home of Champions
Recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations that have shaped Greater Trail.
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Trail City Archives
Extensive archival holdings available by appointment at the Riverfront Centre.
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About the Society
Founded in 1953, the Trail Historical Society preserves and shares our community's past.
Learn more →The Society gratefully acknowledges the support of
