Historic Coldwater Hotel in Merritt, BC, Canada

Author: Traci Marie Nixon

Merritt BC History

A little bit of Merritt, BC History in my view. I born and raised here in Merritt, BC , in the 70’s and 80’s a little bit of Merritt history in my view.

History in Merritt BC

Historical Nicola Valley Heritage Buildings, Museum & Archives

History in Merritt goes back a long way in time like many British Columbia small towns. However, in Merritt our past is very well documented in our buildings, ranching, cowboy culture and First Nation traditions.

History in Merritt BC Canada

Nicola Valley Museum Archives

To experience our history and culture there is no better place than to visit our local Nicola Valley Museum & Archives. The historical venue has many exhibits and articfacts featuring our past in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

First Airplane in Merritt Photo Credit: Nicola Valley Museum & Archives

Historical Buildings

Grab a map and take to the streets of Merritt and tour the Nicola Valley and visit some of our historical and heritage sites and buildings. Some of the most notable heritage buildings would have to include the iconic Coldwater Hotel in Downtown Merritt and Murray Church in Quilchena.

First Nation Cultural Events

Throughout the Nicola Valley there are five First Nation bands - Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Upper Nicola Indian Band. Time your visit and there is a Pow Wow and there are always exhibits in the museum and on display at our art galleries.

More about the History of Merritt, British Columbia, Canada!

Merritt First Nation History

The Nicola Valley and Nicola Valley river were named after Hwistesmexteqen, who at the time was a powerful Chief and son of a Syilx (Okanagan) Chief named Pelkamulox. Prior to the pioneers setting up ranches in the valley, the Nicola Valley was and is within the traditional territories asserted by both the Nlakapamux and Syilx Nations. Traditionally, the Nlakapamux and Syilx economies were based on hunting, fishing and gathering in the region.

Merritt Pioneer History

In the 1880s three ranches, owned by William Voght, Jesus Garcia, and the John Charters, settled in the Nicola Valley amongst the First Nation bands. At the time the ranches, located at the confluence of the Coldwater and Nicola River, were referred to as the Forks, and later Forksdale. In 1906 the name was changed to Merritt in recognition of William Hamilton Merritt III, who worked in mining and with the railroad.