Chehalis, Washington
Chehalis (/ʃəˈheɪlɪs/ ⓘ shə-HAY-lis) is a city in and the county seat of Lewis County, Washington, United States. The population was 7,439 at the time of the 2020 census.
Chehalis, Washington | |
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Flag Seal | |
| Nickname(s): the Rose City, the Mint City | |
Location of Chehalis, Washington | |
| Coordinates: 46°39′36″N 122°57′48″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Lewis |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.88 sq mi (15.23 km2) |
| • Land | 5.81 sq mi (15.04 km2) |
| • Water | 0.07 sq mi (0.19 km2) |
| Elevation | 243 ft (74 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 7,439 |
| • Density | 1,280.38/sq mi (488.44/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code | 98532 |
| Area code | 360 |
| FIPS code | 53-11475 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1503929 |
| Website | ci |
The city is located in the Chehalis valley and is split by Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 6. It is twinned with the bordering city of Centralia. The communities of Napavine and Newaukum lie directly south, with the town of Adna to the west. Due to the community's location on the Chehalis River, and the nearby confluences of the Newaukum and Skookumchuck rivers, the city has experienced several historic flooding events during its history.
Incorporated in 1883, Chehalis was primarily a logging and railroad town, with a shift towards farming in the mid-20th century. The city has bolstered its economy in the 21st century with a focus in manufacturing and warehousing.
Chehalis is home to the historic neighborhood of Claquato, the Chehalis–Centralia Airport, and the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. The city has several distinct historical areas and boasts 11 locations on the list of National Register of Historic Places, more than any other region in Lewis County. Several museums that highlight motorcycles, veterans and military history, and the Chehalis history of railroads are located within the city limits. Chehalis contains approximately 273 acres (110 ha) of parks, most begun by land donations and are overseen by volunteer community efforts. The community is known locally for its annual summer event, ChehalisFest.
The city anchors the beginning trailhead for the Willapa Hills Trail and accommodates riders during the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. Chehalis once was home to a championship minor league baseball team and often welcomed barnstorming ballclubs and competitions featuring teams from Negro league baseball.
In the 21st century, Chehalis initiated several charity, volunteer, and local government sponsored groups to revitalize the city, with focus on renovations to its historic downtown district, the upgrading of the community's transit sector, and increasing the education and graduation rate within the school district. Additional efforts of improvements were led via art programs and renovations to its parks.