In 1889, the year Washington became a state; the Rucker brothers arrived at Port Gardner Bay with the intention of developing the peninsula. From 1891 – 1983, with the help of the backing of the wealthy Rockefeller family, Henry Hewitt, a Tacoma lumberman and investor formed the Everett Land Company with the Rucker brothers to build the economic base of lumbering, mining and fishing. During this time important commercial centers were formed along Hewitt Avenue and rail connections were established, as heavy industry took hold. From these early beginnings the development began for a sophisticated harbor facility. The development of the Weyerhaeuser mill fostered Everett’s reputation as a “Milltown”, reflecting the growing community’s huge logging and milling operations along the Snohomish River. The area continued to be dominated by this industry through the Great Depression. In the 1930s, and 40’s saw the emergence of Boeing’s dominance as a major force in the economic health of the region, a position it maintains. In the early 1990s, the company doubled the size of its Everett assembly plant, making the facility the largest building in the world.
The 1980s saw the last of the mills shut down and new industries emerge with a base of high technology, aerospace, biotechnology and tourism. Naval Station Everett was opened in 1994 bringing with it a $350 million impact on our local economy. The revitalization of the downtown city core has given Everett a high level of prosperity. The city continues to grow and to foster the development of diverse economies.
Lake Stevens http://www.lakestevens.org
Chamber of Commerce: http://www.lschamber.org
It is believed that Governor Isaac I. Stevens was first settled in 1886 on a 160-acre homestead along the east shore. By 1890 the first town in the area, “Ferry,” was established. Its name was later changed to “Hartford,” and it served as the main link from the famed Monte Cristo timber and mining resources to the world.
In 1906 a railroad spur that linked Hartford with Lake Stevens spurred the opening of the “world’s largest mill”, The Rucker Mill. It burned, was partially rebuilt and burned a second time in 1925 which led to its dismantling and Lake Stevens lost the very industry which caused it’s founding. However, by then a flourishing town was established and continued under its own momentum.
From the 1920’s to the 50’s Lake Stevens was primarily a resort community, with many public and private resort beaches scattered around the shore. In 1960 Lake Stevens incorporated as a City with a population on 900. Soon, its popularity and natural beauty, combined with changing commuter habits, attracted more and more residents, changing its character to that of a suburban community. By 2000 the City had grown to a population of 6,361 in approximately 1.8 square miles. The lake remains the focal point of the greater Lake Stevens community for recreation and as a symbol of our need to provide for a sustainable existence that will protect our natural environment.
Marysville http://www.marysvillewa.org
The James P. Comeford and his wife Maria who came to work the local logging camps founded City of Marysville in 1878. They eventually purchased 1280 acres of land that would become the town of Marysville. In 1879 the first school was set up in the Comeford home and James became the Postmaster a year later. Mr. Comeford designed the original town in 1894; the railroad tracks were laid through the town in 1889. 1891 saw the incorporation of the town and the election of Marysville’s first mayor. Logging was the primary industry at this time, with Stimson Logging Company being formed. The first city hall was built in 1901, 1906 saw the first high school students, and the first graduation class of 1908. During the twenties, the city earned the nickname “The Strawberry City” in recognition of the area’s overabundance of the sweet fruity berries, which are celebrated -- and eaten -- annually in June with the Strawberry Festival and the Grand Parade. Marysville has come along way in its first 100 years. Time will tell what the next 100 years will bring.
Monroe www.chamber-monroe.org
Monroe is the largest city (2001 population 15,691) on Highway 2 between Everett and Wenatchee, with the Cascade Mountains starting to rise 20 miles east. There are many horse farms, boarding and training stables and arenas dotting the countryside in every direction, as well as several dairy farms, berry farms, and cornfields.
Monroe is the portal to the Skykomish Valley. The 25-mile valley incorporates 4 additional small towns and hamlets, all turn-of-the-century vintages, with many unique shops, excellent dining and lodging accommodations.
One of Monroe’s major events is the Evergreen State Fair – the #1 County Fair! Twelve days, starting in late August and ending on Labor Day. The fairground encompasses 230 acres and is a showcase of immense proportions, attracting over 880,000 attendees each year.
