Italian settlement in Trail - Colombo Lodge - the first 100 years.

The Colombo Lodge Centennial Mural, 'Legacy and Dedication' was commissioned by the City of Trail to commemorate The Colombo Lodge's centennial in 2005.

Mayor Dieter Boggsl, unveiled and presented the mural to The Colombo Lodge at a special ceremony on Canada Day Weekend July 2005.

Thanks and Acknowledgements to the following people for making this project a success.

The Mayor and Council, City of Trail for the opportunity; 2005 President and Executive - Societa Cristoforo Colombo, The Centenario 2005 Organizational Committee, and The Mural Committee. Congratualations to all of the relatives and families of Italian descent that emigrated to Canada. A personal thanks for the invaluable assistance of Jamie Forbes, and Sarah Benson of The City of Trail Archives, The Trail Historical Society, and all the contributors to the Trail of Memories book.

Many thanks to Anne Marie Gagliani,- Colombo Lodge Archives, and Lana (Baldassi) Rodlie for editing and collating the inspiring booklet, 'The First 100 years'.
Historical Background

In the Anaconda mining area of Butte, Montana, Augustus Heinze was battling for mine ownership taking sides with the miners who were striking against Marcus Daly financially backed by Robber-baron Hearst.

Heinze got to hear of the Rossland Gold find, came up to Trail Creek and saw the potential for riches opting to build a smelter at Trail creek. - History was made.

Irish and other miners too got wind of the Rossland find from Cornish (Jacks) miners, and left Anaconda for Trail Creek.

In the Anaconda Mine, Daniele Martinelli also heard of Heinze's new smelter, arriving in Trail Creek in 1896. Issaco Georgetti arrived 1897*, building the 'Montana' Hotel in 1902*. The word spread and many more Italian immigrants came to Trail, settling in the 'Gulch', building a community of homes, businesses and establishing Canada's first Colombo Lodge in 1905. *Trail of Memories - Trail Historical Society.

The mini-mural is 60"h x 60"w. Oil on board, painted by Maureen A. Travers - support and frame by Michael J. Travers, it is on permanent display in the Foyer of the Colombo Lodge Building on Rossland Avenue in Trail.