1893 - 1970's

Throughout the 1800's and early to mid 1900's the Agassiz Pacific Railway Station took on important roles with the milk and wood industry, as well as acted as a hub for passenger trains for the Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs area as well as, handled mail.

Agassiz in the early twentieth century was an important collection point for milk, being where farmers brought raw milk that was then transported to Vancouver.

C.P. Rail Original location in Agassiz on Pioneer Avenue. Dated 1978.

Community farming like the annual Harvest Hop Festival brought in hundreds of workers via train.

There was a passenger train called the ‘Agassiz’ that brought tourists to the area from Vancouver and brought produce back.

The Agassiz Pacific Railway Station was extremely busy and served as a valuable part of the community for decades.

This is the first draft of Engineers from A6 Canadian Engineers Training Centre Vedder Crossing to leave via the Fraser River Ferry and Agassiz 1943

The Canadian Pacific Railway played a vital role during the First and Second World War, and is predicted to have transported over one million soldiers, as well as transport supplies, weapons, and vehicles. At the time the CPR encompassed much more than just trains, including ships, shops, hotels, and telegraphs, all of which was put to use by the Allied Forces.

In 1948, the Fraser River Valley suffered a great flood, due to the change of season and the resulting snow that melted from the mountains. Communities in the Fraser Valley, including Agassiz were flooded from mid May to mid June. Agassiz citizens worked hard to preserve livestock and crops as well as ensure safety. During this time, the majority of Women and children were sent away, many taking refuge in Mission, while many of the men stayed to take care of livestock, and preserve their farms and businesses. During this time they set up tents to stay in near the Experimental Farm, Hop Yard Mountain, Cemetery Mountain, and Mount Woodside.

1948 floodwater going over CPR rail lines.

The flood was extremely hard on the community and effected many of the crops, destroying all hop plants and yards. As well, businesses, vehicles, equipment, belongings and the railway tracks were heavily impacted from damage caused by the flood. 1948, was the last recorded year in history that the Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival was cancelled.

Tents pitched as temporary shelters for families at Mountain View Cemetery, 1948.