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Centralia
While the city of Chehalis is the county seat the sister city of Centralia, just to the north, is the largest city in the county. The history of Centralia dates back to 1872 when the city was founded by George Washington, a former slave. Originally the unincorporated community was called Centerville. In 1892 the community was incorporated as the city of Centralia. Today the city of Centralia is a community of 14,000 people and can boast of the good schools in the Centralia school district and health services in Providence Hospital. The second picture down on the righthand side is of the Centralia branch of the Timberland Regional Library in Washington park. The fourth picture down is of Washington park.Just west of Interstate 5 at exit 82 in Centralia is Fort Borst Park. The park is home to the historic Joseph Borst home built in 1864, a one room school house and a block house built during the Indian wars. The park also includes a large picnic area, children's pool and pond.
The third picture down on the righthand side is the turn of the century train station, located one block east of Tower Avenue. This station has been remodeled and continues to serve passengers.
In recent years the city has become known for the Centralia Factory Outlet stores. The outlets which are just off Interstate 5 at exit 82 now number more than 40 stores and employ more than 300 people.
Sixteen murals depicting local history are located throughout the city of Centralia including one of the founder of the city, George Washington.
Centralia City Hall
Mailing Address:P.O. Box 609
Centralia, WA 98531
Street Address:
118 West Maple Street
Centralia, WA. 98531
City Hall: 360-330-7671
City Manager: 360-330-7674
Parks Dept.: 360-330-7688
Additional Information
Books on Southwest Washington State
George Washington founder of Centralia
Chehalis history
Carecenter of Lewis County
The Chronicle Newspaper Online
Lewis County Chamber of Commerce
Crime Stoppers of Lewis County
