Skagit County, Washington
Anacortes Public Library
Backus-Marblemount Ranger Station House No. 1009
Backus-Marblemount Ranger Station House No. 1010
Baker River Bridge
Bethsaida Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church Parsonage
Burlington Carnegie Library
California Fruit Store
Causland Park
Deception Pass
Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall-Anacortes
Gilbert's Cabin
Great Northern Depot
Hidden Lake Peak Lookout
La Conner Historic District
LA MERCED
Lincoln Theater and Commercial Block
Lower Baker River Hydroelectric Power Plant
Marine Supply and Hardware Complex
Minkler, Birdsey D., House
Northern State Hospital
President Hotel
Rock Cabin
Semar Block
Skagit City School
Swamp-Meadow Cabin East
Swamp-Meadow Cabin West
US Post Office-Sedro Woolley Main
W. T. PRESTON (snagboat)
Wilson Hotel
Andrew Carnegie
Causland Memorial Park
Causland Park
Charles Pinson, USN
Chuckanut Drive
Concrete Bank Building
Concrete Historic Byway
Depot, circa 1915
Douglas Fir
Former Grange Hall
Grandpa and Me
Island Flyer
Life Aboard a Snagboat
Magnus Anderson Log Cabin
Miss Carrie M. White
Mrs. Luella Howard
National Parks of the Cascades
Old Number 6
Old Time Skagit River Indian Canoes
Paul & Nicolo Luvera
Powered by Steam
Safety Follows Wisdom
Ship Harbor
Snagging
Town of La Conner 1873-1914
War Memorial
"Anne Curtis Bowman"
The arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century brought significant changes to the area. The first permanent non-indigenous settlement, La Conner, was established in 1867 by John Conner and has since evolved into a picturesque town with a charming waterfront and vibrant arts community. The fertile soil of Skagit County attracted settlers for farming, leading to the growth of other towns like Mount Vernon and Burlington.
In the late 1800s, the Great Northern Railway's introduction to the county opened up opportunities for trade and transportation, accelerating development and connecting Skagit County to larger markets. Timber became a vital industry, driving the local economy and providing employment for many residents. The county saw a period of rapid growth and urbanization as a result.
The 20th century brought further transformations, with Skagit County becoming a popular tourist destination. Renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems, the county is home to numerous national parks and recreation areas, most notably North Cascades National Park and the Skagit Valley Bald Eagle Natural Area. Today, Skagit County continues to thrive, with a strong agricultural presence, flourishing arts scene, and a reputation as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
Brief timeline of the history of Skagit County, Washington:
- 1853: Skagit County is established on November 28.
- 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy.
- 1883: The town of Mount Vernon is incorporated.
- 1889: The Great Northern Railway connects Skagit County to the rest of Washington.
- 1926: The Skagit River Hydroelectric Project brings economic growth to the area.
- 1930s: Skagit County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression.
- 1940s: The County experiences a boost in economic activity due to World War II.
- 1963: The North Cascades National Park is established, preserving the natural beauty of the region.
- 1970s: Agriculture, including dairy farming and berry cultivation, becomes a major industry.
- 1995: The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival begins, drawing visitors from around the world.
- 2003: The Skagit River Bridge collapse occurs, leading to significant infrastructure improvements.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Skagit County, Washington.