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Settlers were grazing their cattle on the tide flats of the Hoquiam River by the early 1850s. James Karr, who later helped found Cosmopolis, built his family's cabin in present day west Hoquiam. His brother Henry built on the east side of the river. There were farmers and cattlemen here long before the settlements of Cosmopolis and Aberdeen began. A decade after the arrival of the Karrs, the Ed Campbells (1860) and John and Richard James (1863) settled in Hoquiam.
It was Campbell who worked to accurately spell and name this new town "Hoquiam" which means "hungry for wood," called so by the Indians for the vast amount of blown-down timber found at the river's mouth.
Hoquiam became the site of several large sawmills and shipyards. Many ships were built in Hoquiam including the Vigilant, a popular and beautiful lumber sailing schooner. This friendly, progressive city was incorporated in 1890, about 40 years after the first settlers arrived.
By the turn of the century a number of Hoquiam residents were becoming successful timber merchants. These included Robert and Joseph Lytle, who built their beautiful homes in 1897 and 1900 overlooking the harbor on Chenault Street. These mansions, now known as the Hoquiam Castle and Lytle House Bed and Breakfast, can be toured. In 1923, Arnold Polson built a big house on the Hoquiam River. This is now a museum, exhibiting logging equipment and Grays Harbor memorabilia.
Hoquiam pioneer Frank Lamb was instrumental in building one of the area's most successful businesses, Lamb Grays Harbor, and in developing the Port of Grays Harbor, one of the very first ports in Washington State.
POINTS OF INTEREST -
- 7th Street Theater: This beautiful historic atmospheric theater seats more than 1,100 people for the enjoyment of amateur and professional concerts and plays. The theater is located in downtown Hoquiam. 8th and 9th Street Landings in Hoquiam offer a beautiful walk along the river with picnic and barbecue areas.
- Grays Harbor Farmers Market and Craft Fair is one of only two Washington State farmers markets open year round. Discover local produce, delicious pastries, fresh seafood, chowder, fine arts, & quality crafted items. (360) 538-9747
- Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge: This area in Hoquiam is a stopover for hundreds of thousands of shorebirds during their spring and fall migrations. The birds feed here on their way North to the Artic and their southern return. A Shorebird Festival is held here each April during their peak migration. A new 1,800' boardwalk makes walking and viewing of birds and wildlife easy.
- Hoquiam Castle: A national historic site, this was once the home of timber merchant Robert Lytle. Constructed in 1897, the exquisite mansion was boasted all the comfort amenities of East Coast mansions of the day. The castle was a real contrast to the sawmills and barrooms of the lusty town of Hoquiam. The privately owned mansion is open for tours. Polson Park and Museum: This restored 26-room mansion is filled with antiques and area history, is complemented by a gift shop, picnic area, and rose garden. Some of the areas richest history can be experienced here in the excellent displays.
- Port Viewing Towers and Boat Launch: A viewing tower overlooks the port and the harbor at 28th Street in Hoquiam. From this vantage point one can observe logs being sorted and cargo loaded or unloaded on ships bound for national and international ports. This is the only deepwater port on the outer Washington coast with a time advantage to the Pacific Rim. Watch for wildlife across the channel on Renée Island.
- Riverside Dike Trail: Enjoy a stroll alongside the Hoquiam River, The Lytle House Bed & Breakfast next door to the Castle, was built by Robert's brother Joseph is a charming Victorian mansion also sometimes available to public viewing.
The Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce Purpose is to make Grays Harbor a better place to live, visit and transact business; by providing Advocacy, Business assistance, Connections, and Data: thus creating a positive business climate in which firms can earn a fair profit, create jobs, and improve the quality of life.
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