DuPont, Washington
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| DuPont, Washington | |
|---|---|
| Name | DuPont |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label | DuPont |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Washington |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Pierce County |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1951 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1978 |
| Area total sq mi | 6.55 |
| Area land sq mi | 6.55 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 250 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 10,151 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Pacific (PST) |
| Utc offset | -8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | -7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 98327 |
| Area code | 253 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 53-18935 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1512170 |
| Website | https://www.ci.dupont.wa.us/ |
DuPont, Washington. DuPont is a city in Pierce County, Washington, United States, located south of Tacoma and adjacent to the Nisqually Indian Reservation. The city's history is deeply intertwined with the operations of the DuPont Company, which established a major explosives manufacturing facility there in the early 20th century. Today, it is a growing residential community with significant historical sites and proximity to Joint Base Lewis–McChord.
History
The area's modern history began with the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company's Fort Nisqually in 1833, a key trading post during the Oregon boundary dispute. In 1906, the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company selected the site for a dynamite plant, capitalizing on its remote location and access to rail lines like the Northern Pacific Railway. This facility played a crucial role in both World Wars, producing munitions for the United States Department of War. The company town was officially founded in 1951, and the city incorporated in 1978. Historic landmarks include the DuPont Powder Works and several preserved homes from the company era. The city also encompasses the site of the historic Nisqually people settlement and was near the route of the Wilkes Expedition.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.55 square miles, all of it land. It is situated on the Puget Sound lowlands, with topography ranging from flat plains to forested bluffs. The city is bordered by the Nisqually River delta to the south and is near the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Major waterways include Sequalitchew Creek, which flows from Sequalitchew Lake through a canyon to Puget Sound. The climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and dry summers, typical of the Pacific Northwest.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 10,151. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant proportions of White Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The city has experienced rapid growth since the 1990s, driven by its proximity to Joint Base Lewis–McChord and the Interstate 5 corridor. Housing developments have transformed the former company town into a suburban community. Educational attainment levels are above the state average, with many residents employed in professional sectors connected to the United States Department of Defense and regional commerce.
Economy
The local economy was historically dominated by the DuPont Company's explosives manufacturing, which ceased operations in the 1970s. Today, the economy is supported by retail, healthcare, and professional services. A major commercial center has developed along the Interstate 5 corridor. The presence of Joint Base Lewis–McChord is a significant economic driver, providing civilian employment. The Northwest Landing development has attracted businesses and residents. Key employers include the CenturyLink (now Lumen Technologies) campus and various contractors serving the United States Armed Forces.
Government and infrastructure
DuPont operates under a mayor–council form of government. The city provides police services through the DuPont Police Department and contracts with West Pierce Fire & Rescue for emergency medical services. Critical infrastructure includes major transportation routes like Interstate 5 and Washington State Route 510. The city's utilities are managed by the City of DuPont Public Works Department. It is part of the Washington's 10th congressional district and the 10th Legislative District, Washington. The nearby Nisqually Indian Reservation is a sovereign tribal nation with its own government.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the area include John McLoughlin, the former chief factor of Fort Vancouver who oversaw operations at Fort Nisqually. Military figures such as General John J. Pershing have connections to the region due to the historic Camp Lewis. Contemporary residents have included professionals from Joint Base Lewis–McChord and scientists from the former DuPont Company research facilities. The city has also been home to athletes and artists connected to the broader Puget Sound region.
Category:Cities in Washington (state) Category:Pierce County, Washington Category:Populated places established in 1951