Republic, Washington

Republic is a small town with an early 1900s look and a heritage based in the mining and logging industries. It is the county seat of Ferry County. Originally named Eureka Gulch, Republic had a population of 954 in 2000. Noted for its fossils, natural beauty and recreational possibilities, it is nestled in a valley between Wauconda and Sherman Passes at the intersection of Washington State Routes 20 and 21 in the north central part of the state. Republic is surrounded by Colville National Forest lands and within short driving distance of numerous lakes and campgrounds. Hunting, fishing, bird watching, bicycling, hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, boating, motorized recreational sports and fossil digging bring people to the area. This small town was founded by gold prospectors, and the biggest was the Great Republic claim. In 1900, the citizens decided to honor the Great Republic claim history and so named their newly incorporated town. Republic is also the site of the Stonerose Interpretive Center and Fossil Site, famous for the Eocene fossils found in a lake bed at the north end of town.