 Index
is the creation of Amos and Persis Gunn, who platted the
townsite on their mining claim in 1893. The Gunn family realized
the potential of its location along a sweeping curve of the
newly completed Great Northern Railway. Bordering the North Fork
Skykomish River in the Cascade Mountains, surrounded by scenic
peaks, and along the original trail to the gold and silver mines
of nearby Monte Cristo, they had visions of establishing a
community based on mining, logging, and recreation. .
By the beginning of the
twentieth century nearby granite quarrying, the large
Index-Galena saw/shingle mill, and ore extraction from the
Sunset copper mine on Trout Creek added economic
opportunities. A population of some 600 lived in homes, a
half dozen hotels, and nearby lumber camps by the start of
World War I.
Changes in the economy and the Depression of the
1930s closed most of those employers, causing the population
to drop sharply. In 1942 the small high school graduated its
last class. Many early wooden framed commercial buildings
also burned or were taken down, leaving only a few still
standing as reminders of the early years. Among these are
the Bush House hotel (state historical register), Redmen’s
Wigwam (national historical register), and former Index
Tavern, now home to Outdoor Adventures Company. Most
original houses remain, some moved due to river flooding and
erosion.
Incorporated in 1907, the town now has
approximately 160 residents, making it the smallest in
western Washington. It is home for the grade K-7 Index
School District #63 and Snohomish County Fire District #28,
which also serve nearby residents. With its spectacular
river and mountain setting, recreation now dominates the
local economy. The town’s story is told in more detail at
the Index Historical Society’s Pickett Museum and also in
available books. >>more
Copyright © David A. Cameron,
Ph.D., President, Index Historical Society
Information provided on this page may not be copied or
reproduced without the express written permission from the
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