1 minute read
The Year that Changed
Exhibit Introduction...
A century ago was a time of great events and changes to Cowlitz County. Some triumphant, some tragic, all of which made an impact that forever changed our county and region.
Advertisement
On January 3rd, 1923, the most devastating bridge disaster in Washington State history rang in the new year with tragedy. Nearly 20 people, many unaccounted for, perished in the Allen Street Bridge collapse. Longview became a new planned city on land that required immense diking to make it suitable for habitation. This city would house the workers of the “World’s Largest Sawmill” on the Columbia River.
The town of Ryderwood, which housed LongBell loggers and their families was also created at this time.
Political winds changed as the county seat moved to Kelso from Kalama, where it was located since 1873.
A major unfinished portion of the Pacific Highway was completed in Cowlitz County connecting a continual linkage on paved road from Mexico to Canada. The year 1923 was indeed the year that changed our county forever.
