CAWSTON

CAWSTON

^{Is a small village on the Similkameen River, just 5 kilometers east of Keremeos and 43 kilometers just west from Osoyoos on the Crowsnest Highway (Highway #3).}

^{The history of Cawston dates back to the 1860s, when a local rancher by the name of Francis Xavier “Frank” Richter began raising cattle. A mountain pass located along the Crowsnest Highway between here and Osoyoos is named after him.}

^{Agriculture and cultivating began before World War one (WWI) and still remains the main economic benefactor. A post office was established here in 1916.}

^{Home to several ranches as well as hobby farms, there are also wineries and vineyards as well as two fruit packing plants; one of them being organic.}

^{The community is surrounded by hillsides with semi-arid terrain including plants that thrive in desert climates especially sagebrush and cacti. The climate is enjoyable and warm enough in the summertime that Cawston is home to many fruit stands.}

^{The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and hikers due to many lakes, mountains and rivers in the surrounding area.} 

^{Unincorporated, Cawston takes its name from R.L. Cawston, a pioneer rancher who first settled in the area in the 1860s and whose home used to be where the Hudson’s Bay Company operated a store here in 1860.} 

CAWSTON’S POPULATION: 973