Historic Sites in Revelstoke

Revelstoke has a long and complex history shaped by the railway, industry, and the people who built the town. Many buildings and locations reflect different periods of development, engineering efforts, and cultural influences. This history remains visible in well-preserved landmarks that serve as records of past decades.

Revelstoke Railway Museum

Railways transformed western Canada, and the Revelstoke Railway Museum focuses on the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) through the mountains. The museum collects and preserves artifacts, documents, and equipment related to railway construction and operation. A full-size locomotive, historical photographs, and railway tools are on display. Interactive exhibits show the challenges faced in building tracks through difficult terrain.

The Last Spike exhibit documents the completion of the transcontinental railway. Visitors can learn about the workers who built the railway, including Chinese labourers who played a critical role but faced discrimination and unsafe working conditions. The museum also explores the dangers of rail travel through the mountains and the impact of avalanches on operations.

Revelstoke Courthouse

The Revelstoke Courthouse, built in the early 20th century, remains an important public building. It was designed in the Neoclassical style, featuring a symmetrical facade, large columns, and stone construction. The courthouse reflects the architectural trends of the period and the influence of European design on government buildings in British Columbia.

Legal proceedings, community meetings, and civic events have taken place inside this building. The interior has woodwork, decorative moldings, and courtroom furnishings that have remained largely unchanged. The courthouse is still in use, making it one of the longest-serving judicial buildings in the area. Its presence reflects the role of law and governance in the town’s history.

Revelstoke Museum & Archives

Local history is preserved in the Revelstoke Museum & Archives. The building itself is a historic structure, originally used for commercial purposes before becoming a museum. It holds artifacts from different eras, including indigenous artifacts, tools from early settlers, and objects related to the logging and mining industries.

The museum’s archives contain photographs, maps, and documents that record the development of Revelstoke. Researchers and historians use these materials to study changes in the town over time. Events and educational programs are held to connect the community with its past, making the museum a resource for learning about local history.

McCarty House

McCarty House is an example of Queen Anne-style architecture, a design popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The house features asymmetrical design elements, decorative woodwork, and a covered veranda. The structure reflects the wealth and status of early residents who invested in distinctive architectural styles.

The house remains a private residence but is recognized for its historical significance. It provides insight into the types of homes built during a time of economic growth in Revelstoke. While many historic homes have been altered or demolished, McCarty House has retained much of its original design.

Revelstoke Station Heritage Conservation Area

This designated area contains more than 300 historic buildings, including homes, commercial properties, and public structures. Development in the area increased between 1897 and 1915, influenced by the expansion of the railway. The architectural styles reflect different periods, including Victorian, Edwardian, and early 20th-century designs.

Preservation efforts maintain the historical character of the area. Some buildings have been restored to their original condition, while others have been adapted for modern use. Regulations ensure that new construction aligns with the historical aesthetic. Walking through the area provides a view of Revelstoke’s early urban development and the influence of the railway on residential planning.

Three Valley Gap Ghost Town

Three Valley Gap is an open-air museum featuring historic buildings relocated from different areas. These structures include a general store, a hotel, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop. The town is a reconstruction of early settlements, providing insight into daily life during the frontier era.

An antique auto museum and a railway roundhouse with vintage locomotives are also part of the site. Visitors can see tools, furniture, and objects that were used in early settlements. The collection shows off aspects of the industries that supported small communities, including logging, mining, and transportation.

Conclusion

Revelstoke’s history is visible in its buildings, railway infrastructure, and preserved heritage sites that demonstrate how the town developed through transportation, industry, and community efforts. These historic sites show different aspects of life in past decades, from legal proceedings to railway construction and residential development. Visiting these locations provides a view of the town’s evolution and the people who shaped it.