Chehalis, Washington
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| Chehalis, Washington | |
|---|---|
| Name | Chehalis |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Rose City |
| Pushpin label | Chehalis |
| Coordinates | 46, 39, 46, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Washington |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Lewis |
| Established title | Platted |
| Established date | 1873 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | K. Andrew E. Glace |
| Area total km2 | 15.78 |
| Area total sq mi | 6.09 |
| Area land km2 | 15.70 |
| Area land sq mi | 6.06 |
| Area water km2 | 0.08 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.03 |
| Elevation m | 74 |
| Elevation ft | 243 |
| Population total | 7609 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 484.6 |
| Population density sq mi | 1255.3 |
| Timezone | PST |
| Utc offset | -8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | -7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 98532 |
| Area code | 360 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 53-11615 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1512112 |
| Website | https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/ |
Chehalis, Washington. Chehalis is a city in and the county seat of Lewis County, Washington. Located near the confluence of the Chehalis River and Newaukum River, it lies approximately midway between Portland, Oregon and Seattle along the Interstate 5 corridor. The city serves as a commercial and governmental hub for the surrounding agricultural and timber-producing region, known for its historic downtown, annual festivals, and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Cascade Range.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Upper Chehalis people, a Coast Salish tribe. European American settlement began in the 1850s following the Donation Land Claim Act. The community was first known as Saundersville after founder S. S. Saunders, but was renamed Chehalis in 1879, a variation of the native word for the river, *Tsch'éəlis*. Its growth was spurred by the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1872, making it a vital shipping point for timber, coal, and agricultural products. The city was officially incorporated on November 21, 1883. Historic events include a devastating fire in 1910 that destroyed much of the business district and major flooding from the Chehalis River, notably during the Great Coastal Gale of 2007 and the 2021 Pacific Northwest floods.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.09 square miles, of which 6.06 square miles is land and 0.03 square miles is water. Chehalis is situated in the Chehalis River valley within the Willapa Hills. The Newaukum River flows into the Chehalis River just south of the city center. Major geographic features nearby include Interstate 5, which runs north-south through the city, and Washington State Route 6, which heads west toward the Pacific Ocean. The city lies roughly 20 miles east of I-5's junction with U.S. Route 12, a major route to the Olympic Peninsula.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 7,609 people residing in the city. The population density was 1,255.3 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as Hispanic or Latino, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. The median household income was below the state average, with a portion of the population living below the federal poverty line. Educational attainment data from the American Community Survey shows a mix of high school graduates and individuals with some college or an associate degree.
Economy
The economy has historically been based on natural resources, including logging for companies like Weyerhaeuser and agriculture in the fertile river valley. Manufacturing remains significant, with facilities such as the Chehalis-Centralia Airport industrial park and the Lewis County Public Utility District. Retail and healthcare are major employment sectors, with Providence Health & Services operating a regional medical center. The city is a retail and service center for southern Lewis County, featuring big-box stores and a concentration of automotive dealerships along the I-5 frontage. Government employment is also substantial due to its status as county seat, housing the Lewis County Courthouse and related offices.
Culture and recreation
The city hosts several annual events, including the popular Chehalis Farmers Market and the summer Veterans Memorial Museum airshow. The historic Chehalis Theatre, a restored 1930s Art Deco movie palace, is a cultural landmark. Recreational opportunities abound at nearby Rainbow Falls State Park, the Willapa Hills Trail, and the Chehalis River for fishing and boating. The Lewis County Historical Museum, located in the former Northern Pacific Railway depot, chronicles regional history. The city's nickname, "The Rose City," is celebrated with public rose gardens and was historically linked to a large nursery industry.
Government
Chehalis operates under a mayor–council system. The mayor is elected at-large, and seven council members are elected from geographic wards. The government provides services including police through the Chehalis Police Department, fire protection, public works, and parks management. As the county seat, it is home to the Lewis County Courthouse and key county offices like the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. The city is part of Washington's 20th legislative district and is represented in the Washington State Legislature and the U.S. House by members from Washington's 3rd congressional district.
Category:Cities in Washington (state) Category:County seats in Washington (state) Category:Lewis County, Washington