More about the History of Merritt, British Columbia, Canada!
Merritt First Nation History
The Nicola Valley and Nicola Valley river were named after Hwistesmexteqen, who at the time was a powerful Chief and son of a Syilx (Okanagan) Chief named Pelkamulox. Prior to the pioneers setting up ranches in the valley, the Nicola Valley was and is within the traditional territories asserted by both the Nlakapamux and Syilx Nations. Traditionally, the Nlakapamux and Syilx economies were based on hunting, fishing and gathering in the region.
Merritt Pioneer History
In the 1880s three ranches, owned by William Voght, Jesus Garcia, and the John Charters, settled in the Nicola Valley amongst the First Nation bands. At the time the ranches, located at the confluence of the Coldwater and Nicola River, were referred to as the Forks, and later Forksdale. In 1906 the name was changed to Merritt in recognition of William Hamilton Merritt III, who worked in mining and with the railroad.