Weed acquired its intriguing name from its founder, Abner Weed, who began purchasing land for a mill site in the 1890s. By 1905, Weed boasted two mills, a box factory, bunkhouse, boardinghouse, cookhouse, company store, post office, and hospital. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Thomas and Georgeanna "Anna" (Sullaway) Sullivan bought land for a ranch in 1898. When they divided some of their land into lots, Shastina was born, with the first building constructed in 1905-1906. Division Street divided the town in two, with the company town to the north and the once-rowdy town of Shastina to the south, known for its saloon-lined streets, brothels, and private businesses that allowed residents a shopping choice despite company policies.