On the Similkameen River just south of the Canadian boundary, once a boom town, has maintained a semblance of life throughout lean years. Mount Ellemeham looms austerely to the east; Palmer Mountain and Palmer Lake, were once the scene of great mining activity.

A post office was opened the name of the nearby Nighthawk Mine was proposed and accepted in 1899. The mine was named for the many birds of that species in the vicinity. The Similkameen Falls Light and Power Company sent heavy machinery to Nighthawk in 1903 and the company superintendent, a Mr. Hegarty told visitors at that time that the community was “on the boom.” It was a railroad point for many years with livery stables, hotels and other businesses. By 1950 with the end of mining in the area ending the community lost its railroad and has since declined.