Okanagan History

Francis Xavier Richter 1862

Francis Xavier Richter in 1862 learned of opportunities to raise farm stock in the Similkameen Valley. He arrived in 1864 and formed a partnership with a man called King. They drove forty two head of cattle to Osoyoos now called Richter Pass into Keremeos. The partnership fell with King in 1865 which was the beginning of a successful cattle ranch owned by Francis Richter. Richter wanted to expand taking advantage of the rich soil and the property he owned, he formed his first orchard in 1880 and a second in 1886 he successfully won 23 awards in 1906 at the Provincial Exhibition in NewWestminster.

Okanagan History Index

By: Elaine Harrison