As the sign says, this is a company town - a unique one. It was created in 1918 by Seattle City Light to house employees working on the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. Seattle City Light is one of the earliest citizen- owned utilities; therefore, Newhalem is a citizen-owned town as is Diablo farther up the Skagit River. The hydroelectric project - a series of dams, lakes, and powerhouses- runs 40 miles through the center of North Cascades National Park to the Canadian border. Seattle City Light 's Skagit Hydroelectric Project existed before the area became a national park and recreation area and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The commissary, above, and on the left in the town sign photo, was built in 1920. It's still the store for workers and visitors. The Mess Hall, left, was also built in 1920. Single workers and tourists ate there. It closed in 1970. Seattle City Light invited tourists starting in the early 1930's until 1941. Diablo Lake boat tours are still available.