Pacific County, Washington
Cape Disappointment Historic District
Chinook Point
Colbert House
Columbia River Quarantine Station
Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station
Lumber Exchange Building
Oysterville Historic District
Pacific County Courthouse
Raymond Public Library
Raymond Theater
Russell House
Schulderman, Peter, House
Shelburne Hotel
Shogren Cottage
South Bend Carnegie Public Library
Tokeland Hotel
US Post Office-Raymond Main
Willapa Bay Boathouse
Wreckage, The
1857
A Collision of Cultures / How Did They Live?
A Disastrous Year
An Evolving Playground
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Clamshell Railroad Driving Tour
Columbia River Explorers
Fort Canby
Fort Columbia
How Do These Stories Continue?
In Search of Recognition
Keeping Pace with Technology
Lewis and Clark Trail
Life of a Lighthouse Keeper
Pacific County Courthouse
St. Mary's Church
The Business of Trade
The Search for the Northwest Passage / Jefferson's Mission Accomplished
Welcome to Middle Village
What Are the First Stories of This Place?
Willie Keil Grave
In the early 19th century, American fur traders established contact with the local tribes, setting the stage for increased influence from outside settlers. The Lewis and Clark expedition, which passed through the region in 1805, played an important role in the exploration and mapping of the area, further sparking interest in the potential of the Pacific Northwest.
The arrival of settlers accelerated in the 1850s, following the establishment of several trading posts and the discovery of gold in nearby areas. Pacific County was officially created in 1851 as one of the original counties of Washington Territory. The county was named after the Pacific Ocean, which borders its western edge, highlighting its strategic coastal location.
As settlers began to establish permanent communities, industries such as logging, fishing, and agriculture became vital to the local economy. The abundance of timber in the area led to the development of logging operations, while the bountiful waters of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rivers provided plentiful fishing opportunities. Agriculture also thrived, with cranberry cultivation becoming a particularly successful and iconic industry in the county.
Today, Pacific County continues to be a picturesque destination that offers stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and a strong connection to its rich past. With a blend of small rural communities and coastal towns, the region remains closely tied to its maritime and logging heritage, while also embracing nature-based tourism and recreational opportunities.
Brief timeline of the history of Pacific County, Washington:
- 1805 - Pacific County is first explored by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- 1849 - The area becomes part of Oregon Territory.
- 1851 - Pacific County is officially established as a county of Washington Territory.
- 1852 - The county seat is established in Oysterville.
- 1860 - The town of South Bend is platted.
- 1874 - The county seat is relocated to South Bend.
- 1889 - Pacific County becomes part of the newly established state of Washington.
- 1913 - The first automobile bridge to cross the Willapa River is built.
- 1930 - The Pacific County Courthouse in South Bend is constructed.
- 1942 - During World War II, a Japanese internment camp is established in Pacific County.
- 2010 - Pacific County experiences severe flooding from heavy rains.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Pacific County, Washington.