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Burton, British Columbia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Burton is a settlement on the east shore of Lower Arrow Lake in the West Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia.
Before European contact, Burton was known as Xaieken, a large village of Sinixt first nations people. Inadequate archeological research of the area exists to support several First Nations claims.[1] Burton arose in the 1890s when gold was found at Cariboo Creek, a steamboat stop.[2] The community was named for Reuben Burton who preempted in 1893 and was the postmaster.[3]:ā34ā Arriving miners and farmers spurred development. Served by CPR sternwheeler boats for many years until 1954, BC Highway 6 is now the main means of access. Tug boats still ply the lake towing log booms and barges.
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The original townsite was submerged when the Keenleyside Dam flooded the area in 1968. A new town site was established on higher ground at that time. The old town site had four stores, gas stations, cafe, school, playing fields, a community hall, a large Federal government wharf, a hotel with a pub and three churches. The old townsite was north of the mouth of Cariboo creek with farms north, south and east of the townsite. A scenic location surrounded by mountains with lake, creeks and wildlife close at hand.[4][5]