The town of Liberty, established in 1873 was originally called Swauk, after the region. But for postal purposes, the name had to be changed and Liberty was chosen. Originally a mining camp, the town of Liberty was abandoned between 1912 and 1916 and was moved to Meaghersville. After Mich. wrangling, Meaghers-ville was renamed Liberty.

Liberty is probably the best name for this small community of fiercely independent miners. For many years they have fought to be free from governmental intrusions that sought to gain control of their mining claims.

In 1907 the Wenatchee National Forest was created and it included the Swauk Mining District. The forest service challenged the miners claims. The miners successfully fought to retain their rights, but it was a temporary truce. Sixty-one years later, the Wenatchee Forest Service again tried to gain control of the mines.

A ten-year struggle ensued. The tenacious miners stood their ground and in 1978 a bill was enacted to allow Liberty citizen clear title to their property. In 1982, the town of Liberty was secured when clear title passed to the residents.

Copyright ©2007 Northern Kittitas County Tribune. Reprinted with permission.