Tucked around Lewis County, history is found in unexpected places. Mineral is rich in history, but did you know the tiniest post office is found right on the roadside in the equally tiny town? One mile north of Mineral Lake along Mineral Hill Road, this preserved piece of pioneer postal history is worth a stop.
August Ahlstrand built the eight-by-eight-foot structure in 1898. The shed-like structure served as a link to the rest of the country for the people of the region, with every family and settler in the area provided with a post office box in the tiny building.
When a new post office opened in Mineral, the little post office closed. With permission from the current property owners, the Berglunds, the Mineral Lake Lions Club restored the tiny building. Mrs. Berglund, who is a niece of Mrs. Ahlstrand, lived with the Ahlstrand family for many years.
The Smallest Post Office in the United States
An undated sign tacked on the side of the tiny building reads:
“During the final quarter of the nineteenth century, a number of settlers established themselves in the vicinity of Mineral. There road and only questionable trails. Supplies and mail were packed in mainly from Tacoma or Spanaway, but as the Tacoma Eastern Railroad was extended from various way points. Among the early settlers was the family of August Ahlstrand which occupied the land where this little building now stands. The settlers coming back in usually brought the mail of the entire area and since the Ahlstrand’s’ home was quite central, left it there. Mr. Ahlstrand conceived the idea of building and maintain the structure as a post office. He and Mrs. Ahlstrand made certain that every family or single settler was provided with a post office box.
The use of the building was continued until the establishment of a post office in the town of Mineral and there are persons still residing in this area who will remember the days when the little post office so well served its purpose.
The Mineral Lake Lions Club has restored the building with the permission of Mr. and Mrs. H.T. Berglund of Tacoma, the present owners. Mrs. Berglund, a niece of Mrs. Ahlstrand and lived here with the Ahlstrands for many years.”
While the building may be tiny, the history here is large, and there are plenty of reasons to visit Mineral and discover it for yourself.
More Mineral History
The tiny town of Mineral began as a logging camp and mining town. Prospectors searching for gold instead discovered coal and arsenic. By the early 1920s, the mines had closed, and a fire that destroyed the town’s largest sawmill marked the end of its early boom years.
The 1906 Mineral Lake Lodge was built by Herman and August Ahstrand, and Johann Carlson as the Mineral Lake Inn. The Scandinavian craftsmen handcrafted the historic cedar log lodge as a wilderness retreat for wealthy visitors from Seattle and Tacoma. According to local lore, President Theodore Roosevelt stayed here in the mid-1910s. Over the years, the building served as a sanatorium, gambling hall, political and business retreat, restaurant, and bed-and-breakfast. The log building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, the lodge is a wonderful place to stay when visiting nearby Mount Rainier’s Nisqually entrance, while avoiding the crowds at lodging in Ashford.
Visit Mineral Lake
A trip to Mineral isn’t complete without a visit to the beautiful 277-acre Mineral Lake. Known as the home to the “10-pound trout,” this picturesque lake offers a quiet getaway tucked in the northeastern corner of Lewis County. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with more than 100,000 rainbow trout fry each year. In addition, several hundred larger rainbow trout broodstock and several thousand brown trout are stocked annually. Largemouth bass are also present, providing anglers with another popular sportfish option.
Fishing is very popular here, but hikers and bikers, birdwatchers, hunters, skiers, and boaters find fun both on and off the shores. With stunning Mount Rainier in the background, there is abundant wildlife, wonderful photo opportunities, and places to just soak in the scenic backdrops.
Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground is a waterfront campground offering easy access to the lake’s recreational opportunities. Throughout the year, family-friendly events are hosted at the campground, including a very well-loved fishing derby in April and holiday celebrations.
Though small in size, Mineral offers plenty to explore. From fishing and outdoor recreation to its rich logging and mining heritage, the town has a unique story that continues to shape its character today. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying a little longer, take time to appreciate Mineral’s history, enjoy its scenic surroundings, and experience the charm of one of Lewis County’s hidden gems.
