Black Diamond, city in King County, Washington, United States
Black Diamond is a small city in King County, Washington, covering about 7 square miles and surrounded by forests and lakes including Horseshoe Lake. The town features quiet streets, historic buildings, and open spaces where residents enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and walking.
The town was established in the 1880s to support coal mining operations that extracted high-quality coal for Seattle and surrounding areas. The mines operated until 1958, after which the city officially incorporated in 1959 and transitioned from a mining settlement to a residential community.
Italian inscriptions on local cemetery headstones reflect the immigrant communities who shaped the town during the mining era. Today, residents maintain connections to this heritage through community events that celebrate the stories of miners and early settlers.
The historic depot building from 1886 now serves as a museum open to visitors interested in the town's mining history. Horseshoe Lake provides access for fishing and nature walks, with most attractions within easy walking distance throughout the small town.
A tree stump where union miners gathered in the 1920s was later set in concrete and still stands as a reminder of labor disputes. Folk singer Brandi Carlile grew up in the city and is one of the most notable people with ties to the community.
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