History of Carnation, Washington

Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Cascade Mountains and the Snoqualmie River, Carnation, Washington, boasts a rich and fascinating history. From its early beginnings as a small settlement known as Tolt to its development into a thriving center of dairy farming, Carnation's story is one of resilience, community spirit, and a deep connection to the land. This captivating history explores the town's transformation over the years, revealing its residents' indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to preserving the unique charm and agricultural heritage that define Carnation. Discover the events, industries, and individuals that have shaped this remarkable town into the vibrant and cherished community it is today.

Early History

Long before it became known as Carnation, Washington, the area was home to the Snoqualmie and other Coast Salish tribes. These indigenous peoples had a deep connection to the land, having lived in the region for thousands of years. They called the area Tolthue, meaning "river of swift waters," which reflects the significance of the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers to their way of life.

The Snoqualmie people developed sustainable agricultural practices and efficient land management techniques, ensuring the environment's health and abundance. They relied on the region's diverse natural resources, utilizing various native plants and animals for sustenance, medicine, and material goods. For example, they cultivated camas, a plant with edible bulbs that was an essential food source, and cattails, which were used for weaving mats and baskets.

Salmon played a central role in the diet of many tribes in the Pacific Northwest, and they developed various techniques for catching and preserving fish. These included building weirs, fish traps, and smoking or drying salmon for storage. The Snoqualmie people also practiced sustainable forest management, selectively harvesting plants and trees for different uses, such as extracting cedar bark for making baskets, ropes, and mats, while leaving the tree intact to continue growing.

Agroforestry practices were incorporated into the Native American farming systems, combining the cultivation of food crops with the management of trees and other plants. They might plant fruit and nut trees alongside camas, creating diverse and productive ecosystems that supported human needs and environmental health.

Controlled burns were an essential land management technique practiced by the tribes before the arrival of European settlers. These burns helped maintain open landscapes, promote biodiversity, and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

The early history of the Carnation area is deeply intertwined with the Snoqualmie and Coast Salish tribes, who lived in harmony with the land and its resources for thousands of years. Their wisdom and stewardship have left an indelible mark on the area's heritage and continue to inspire modern-day practices in and around Carnation.

The Mid-1800s

The early 1800s marked a turning point for the indigenous peoples in the area now known as Carnation, Washington. While the Snoqualmie and Coast Salish tribes had lived off the land and waterways for thousands of years, the signing of the Point Elliott Treaty in 1855 signaled the beginning of significant changes to their way of life.

Chief Patkanim of the Snoqualmie Tribe was the head signer of the treaty, which ceded tribal lands to the United States in exchange for a reservation. However, the reservation was not granted until 2000, nearly a century and a half after the treaty was signed. This delay led to substantial challenges for the Snoqualmie people, including the loss of land, displacement, and alterations to their traditional lifestyle.

The first record of Tolt, referring to the Tolt River, appeared on the Survey General’s Map of Washington Territory in 1857 as the “Tolthue River.” The late 1800s saw the arrival of white settlers in the area, drawn by the region's abundant natural resources and fertile land. James Entwistle, the first white settler, arrived in 1858 and established his homestead along the Tolt River. As more settlers moved into the region, they began to establish farms, clear forests, and construct homes, roads, and other infrastructure.

The arrival of European settlers in the Carnation area dramatically altered the landscape and the way of life for the native tribes. They were forced to adapt to these changes, often adopting elements of the settlers' culture while striving to preserve their traditions and customs. Despite these challenges, the Snoqualmie and Coast Salish tribes played an essential role in the area's cultural heritage and history.

The early 1800s in Carnation, Washington, was a period of transition and adaptation for the region's indigenous tribes. It laid the groundwork for the town's establishment, agricultural development, and the relationship between the native peoples and European settlers. The town's modern-day commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture is deeply rooted in the rich history of the native tribes and their profound respect for the land and its resources.

The late 1800s

The Tolt area, now known as Carnation, Washington, began to see its first white settlers in the late 1850s. They were drawn by the region's fertile soil and abundant water supply. James Entwistle, the first settler, arrived in 1858 and claimed a 169-acre homestead. He lived there with his Indian wife, Mary, and their three children. After Mary's tragic death in a canoe accident, James remarried Sarah Kelly and had four more children. The family earned a living from logging, hop-raising, and hay production industries.

In 1879, William Morrison built a homestead near the present-day townsite, and more settlers followed, contributing to the area's development. George Rutherford established a sawmill in the early 1880s, which supplied lumber for building homes and businesses, fueling the local economy. Other industries, including farming and logging, also thrived, thanks to the area's rich soil and the Snoqualmie River's irrigation and transportation capabilities.

Despite facing challenges such as harsh winters, floods, and forest fires, Tolt gradually began to grow. By the turn of the century, it boasted a post office, a school, and several stores and saloons. Homes in the valley were typically constructed from logs or slabs, using square nails or wooden pegs, while barns and outbuildings were mostly made of cedar and used for housing oxen or cows. Farmers built their barns on the river bank's highest point and shipped their milk by boat.

The valley's dense undergrowth limited tillable land, and water problems were common in the early days. Slashing and burning the undergrowth in August was necessary to achieve a clean burn. After a couple of years, the stumps' roots would decay enough to be removed with a homemade stump puller, grub hoe, or shovel and ax unless farmers had access to dynamite.

As lowland timber was depleted, cleared land was repurposed for farming, while logging operations moved further into the foothills in the 1880s. Gradually, machines replaced oxen and horses, allowing these patches to expand into acreage. Steamboats began navigating the Snoqualmie River in 1882, hauling passengers, freight, produce, and livestock and serving as towboats for log booms downstream to sawmills in Everett.

Small logging camps sprang up along the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers in the 1860s, leading to an industry that thrived for 75 years. In the 1870s, lumber technology advanced from hand sawing to small water-powered sawmills, and steam donkeys became commonplace in the 1890s. Logging companies dumped their logs into the Snoqualmie River, forming them into booms and towing them downstream to sawmills in Everett.

Traveling through King County's dense forested terrain remained challenging and slowed for a long time. The few roads built by settlers followed the land's contours, hugged ridges, had steep grades, and wound around large trees instead of moving them. Early roads were often puncheon roads, with slabs of cedar-like railroad ties laid across long poles stuck into the mud. These roads were frequently too muddy to use.

By 1872, the roads had improved enough that mail could be delivered by horseback from Fall City. However, the weekly trip was often delayed by fallen trees and floodwaters. Despite these challenges, the settlers of Tolt persevered, and their hard work and determination laid the foundation for the town's growth and development into the thriving community it is today.

The early 1900s

The early 1900s brought significant growth and change to Tolt, now known as Carnation, Washington, with the establishment of the Milwaukee Road railroad line and the arrival of new industries. The Milwaukee Road was a primary rail line connecting the Midwest with the Pacific Northwest, providing fast and efficient transportation for people and goods and spurring the growth of new businesses in Tolt, including hotels, stores, and saloons.

Tolt was officially incorporated as a town in 1912, with a population of around 250 people, and its primary industries were farming, logging, and the railroad. Scandinavian immigrants arrived and contributed to the town's growth, working on the railroad and the local logging industry.

In 1917, the town was renamed Carnation after the Carnation Milk Products Company, which established a condensed milk processing plant in the area. The company became the largest employer in the region, with the town growing around the dairy industry. However, the town's name was changed back to Tolt in 1928 and again to Carnation in 1951 due to local resistance and confusion.

During the early 20th century, Carnation experienced a gradual increase in population due to the expanding agriculture and logging industries. The local cooperative extension service played a crucial role in disseminating information on sustainable farming practices and technology to farmers in Carnation. Farmers began diversifying their crops, growing staple grains, and experimenting with vegetables, fruits, and other cash crops.

Carnation also faced challenges, such as a severe flood in 1917 causing considerable damage and prompted community efforts to rebuild and recover. To foster community spirit and celebrate the town's agricultural heritage, the first annual Carnation Festival was held in the early 1900s.

The town's logging boom between 1912 and 1927 directly resulted from the railroads. The Cherry Valley Timber Company, a prominent local logging concern, owned vast timberlands and operated a narrow-gauge train, mill, and camp. Logging camps were supplied with local farm goods, and loggers could expect to make $6 a day while having meals and a place to sleep in a bunker car with 29 other men.

Infrastructure improvements marked significant progress in the town's development, such as establishing concrete sidewalks on Tolt Avenue in 1914 and including the Tolt-Duvall Road as part of the state road system in 1915. Despite the challenges brought on by the Great Depression, the town held onto its land, and its property owners remained resilient.

In 1938, David Entwistle, the son of original pioneer James Entwistle, constructed four stone markers to bear the town's name at entry points along Tolt Avenue, showcasing local pride and reinforcing the argument against renaming the town Carnation. Two of these markers have been refurbished by the Tolt Historical Society and can still be seen today.

The town's growth also led to establishment of several churches and a library in 1911. The Carnation Milk Products Company remained the largest employer in the area, and the town continued to be known for its dairy farming.

Despite the challenges from the Great Depression in the 1930s, the town's property owners held onto their land, and the local bank did not fail. The city continued to thrive and experienced its most significant phase of prosperity between its incorporation in 1912 and the onset of the Great Depression.

The mid-1900s

The mid-1900s in Carnation, Washington, were marked by significant growth and development as the town continued to be a thriving center of dairy farming and milk processing. The Carnation Milk Products Company remained the largest employer in the area, with the town's economy closely tied to the dairy industry.

The post-World War II period introduced changes to Carnation and many other rural communities across the United States. Advances in transportation and communication enabled people to move away from small towns and into larger cities. Consequently, many young people left Carnation to pursue educational and career opportunities elsewhere.

Despite these changes, Carnation remained a tight-knit community with a strong agricultural heritage. The annual Carnation Festival, initiated in 1935, persisted in celebrating the town's history and culture through parades, carnivals, and logging shows.

The 1960s and 1970s saw continued growth and development in Carnation, with new businesses and housing developments emerging. However, the town's population remained relatively small, hovering around 1,000 people. In 1948, the establishment of Tolt High School reflected the growing importance of education within the community.

Carnation also responded to growing environmental concerns during this period, with the town beginning to preserve natural habitats and promote sustainable farming practices in the 1950s. Carnation farmers in the 1950s and 1960s embraced soil and water conservation principles, implementing practices such as contour plowing and terracing to minimize erosion and runoff. As the organic farming movement gained momentum in the 1970s, some Carnation farmers adopted organic practices, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and focusing on natural soil fertility management.

The mid-20th century witnessed the construction of new roads and public buildings in Carnation, facilitating its growth and development. Despite challenges, the town persevered, and its strong agricultural heritage remained central to its identity.

In 1985, the Carnation Milk Products Company was sold to Nestle, leading to the plant's closure in Carnation. This event dealt a significant blow to the local economy, as many people in the area had either worked at the plant or supplied milk to the company.

Today, Carnation is home to various small businesses and continues to celebrate its agricultural heritage. With a population of around 2,000 people, the town is known for its scenic beauty, with the nearby Snoqualmie River and the Cascade Mountains providing a stunning backdrop to its quiet streets and rural charm.

The late 1900s and early 2000s

The late 1900s brought economic challenges to Carnation, Washington, due to the closure of the Carnation Milk Products Company plant in 1985. The plant's closure significantly impacted the local economy, as many people in the area had worked at the plant or supplied milk to the company. Consequently, the loss of jobs and income was felt throughout the community.

Despite these challenges, Carnation remained a tight-knit community with strong local pride. The town's residents worked together to support each other and promote local businesses and industry.

In the late 1990s, the town experienced growth and development as people moved back to rural areas in search of a simpler way of life. New housing developments were established, and the town's population grew to around 2,000 people.

From the late 20th century to the early 21st century, Carnation's economy diversified, witnessing growth in tourism and small businesses alongside agriculture. During this period, the town experienced an influx of new residents, attracted by the area's natural beauty and rural charm.

In the 1990s and 2000s, several farmers in Carnation adopted regenerative agriculture practices, such as no-till farming, agroforestry, and permaculture, to restore ecosystems and promote biodiversity. Carnation farmers and community organizations began offering workshops, farm tours, and educational resources to share knowledge about sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices with the broader community.

In recent years, Carnation has seen changes with new businesses and restaurants opening up in the town's historic downtown area. However, the city has remained committed to preserving its rural character and agricultural traditions while balancing growth and development with the community's needs.

Today, Carnation is a peaceful and scenic town with a strong sense of community and local pride. Its rural charm and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and new residents.

Today

Today, Carnation, Washington, is a small city with around 2,000 people. The city has a strong agricultural heritage and is known for its dairy farms, scenic beauty, and a strong sense of community.

Although the closure of the Carnation Milk Products Company plant in 1985 had a significant impact on the local economy, the town has worked to support small businesses and promote local industry. Carnation is home to various businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers.

Carnation's rural charm and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and new residents. Many local farms in the Carnation area have adopted regenerative agriculture practices, focusing on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing water usage. These farms often employ cover cropping, no-till farming, and crop rotation.

Several farms in the region have established CSA programs, allowing community members to purchase shares in the farm's produce. This model supports local agriculture, reduces food miles, and fosters a deeper connection between consumers and their food sources.

A growing number of farms in the Carnation area have transitioned to organic farming practices, eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in favor of natural alternatives and prioritizing soil health and biodiversity.

Efforts have been made to restore salmon habitats along the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers, improving water quality and supporting the return of native fish species. These efforts may include streambank stabilization, the removal of fish passage barriers, and the planting of native vegetation along the riverbanks.

Local restaurants and businesses in Carnation are increasingly sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, supporting local agriculture, and providing patrons with fresh, seasonal produce.

Sustainable forestry practices are being implemented in the area, emphasizing selective harvesting, long-term forest health, and biodiversity conservation. This approach balances timber production with ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and wildlife habitat.

Carnation is also home to several parks and recreational areas. Tolt-MacDonald Park, for instance, offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The nearby Snoqualmie River and the Cascade Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the town's rural charm and natural beauty.

Despite some growth and development in recent years, Carnation has remained committed to preserving its small-town character and agricultural traditions. The town's residents work together to maintain a strong sense of community and local pride. No wonder many people are drawn to Carnation for its peaceful and scenic setting.