SHAPED BY HISTORY

Original Sculptures

The series of sculptures placed along the Suncadia trails were designed and created by Washington artist, Julie Speidel. The sculptures represent the forces of nature and the generations of people who have shaped this land. Each grouping is made up of totems with symbols that represent a period in the Suncadia area’s history. The first group honors the land as it was before humankind arrived. Succeeding groupings honor the Native Americans, the pioneers and the coal miners. Finally, the symbol of Suncadia respectfully follows in the footsteps of all that came before. Together with Julie, we are proud to celebrate the history and the legacy of this area.

Suncadia

Welcome to Suncadia. Our sun symbol represents the one constant which has cast its light upon each era of this region’s rich history. It is an honorable symbol, embodying light, warmth, life, eternity, and community.

The Land

The land is the foundation of the Suncadia story. Native Americans, pioneers and coal miners were all drawn to this region for its abundant natural resources. These sculptures honor the elements that figure most prominently in all of their stories: mountains, water, and trees.

Native Americans

Native Americans were the first people to make this region their home. The land provided them with bountiful terrain for gathering wild berries, hunting and fishing.

Native Americans believed they were equals with the plants and wild animals living around them—they honored the earth’s treasures.

Pioneers

Pioneers came here to forge a new life and a more promising future. Their daily struggles were made easier through the rich relationships they formed among themselves and ultimately, with the community they created together.

Coal Mining

Coal was discovered around Roslyn in the 1880s. At its peak in 1910, the town numbered four thousand residents. The coal mines attracted people from throughout America, including large populations of African-Americans and European immigrants from Hungary to Sweden. Their cultures and customs remain a part of this region today, even though the last coal mine closed in 1963.

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