In the writing of this thesis I have attempted to outline the history of the region lying within what is known as the Big Bend of the Columbia River north of the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway and west of the summit of the Selkirk Range. The work is intended to be an historical study of an area which white men first penetrated in search of furs and later used as an overland means of access to the Crown Colony of British Columbia. I have tried to explain why and how the area first became known. Then I discuss the mining activities in the Big Bend in the 1860’s and subsequent years, and go on to portray the most important single event in Revelstoke’s history, the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880's. In the 1890’s the activities of the railway company, lumbering and mining in the vicinity of Revelstoke led to the incorporation of the town as a city. Since 1899 the city and surrounding region have endured periods of rapid growth and eras of recessions and depressions causing a slowing of the rate of development. I have tried to depict the history of the city and area as they grew in population, concentrating on the major aspects of Revelstoke's past, the transportation, mining and logging industries. I have also attempted to outline the growth of the Revelstoke community in the political, social and economic fields. Finally, I have tried to summarize by explaining what Revelstoke is today, and how the city has become what it is. This thesis is primarily intended as a local history study, a small contribution to the general knowledge of the history of British Columbia. I consider that many such studies as this one are essential before properly trained historians will be able to produce competent, scholarly works on the major aspects of the political, social and economic history of the province of British Columbia. / Arts, Faculty of / History, Department of / Graduate

Extensive mill closures by industrial forestry companies in forestry-dependent towns in British Columbia, have, in many cases, resulted in effectively eliminating the local primary industry. Communities have lost the economic and social base that sustains families, the municipal tax base and the local retail market, and the local forest expertise has been forced to look elsewhere for work. Many communities around the world have developed viable community forestry frameworks and successful operations as a means of addressing sustainability, social and economic issues. While a number of community forestry supports are available in B.C., many communities continue to experience difficulties establishing viable forestry operations. This research will examine the broad-spectrum and site-specific challenges faced by three designated B.C. communities at different stages along the continuum toward successful operations, and will propose strategies aimed at overcoming the barriers to their success.