Centralia WA, United States
- 16,753 people
- 18 places to visit
- 46.7162, -122.9543
Places to Visit (18)
Centralia, Washington, is a small city located in Lewis County, situated in the southwestern part of the state. With a population of approximately 16,000 residents, Centralia is recognized for its rich history, vibrant community, and unique geological events. The city was founded in the late 19th century and rapidly developed due to its strategic location along the Chehalis River and the Northern Pacific Railway. This development was fueled by a booming economy characterized by timber and coal mining industries, which played a crucial role in the area’s growth until the mid-20th century.
One of Centralia’s most notable features is the underground coal fire that has been burning since 1962, resulting from a fire that ignited in a local landfill and spread to an abandoned coal mine. The fire has led to significant environmental and safety challenges that prompted the evacuation and abandonment of the nearby town of Gad and certain areas of Centralia. The ongoing situation led to a decrease in population and economic activity, but the city has since reinvented itself as a center for tourism and community projects. Centralia is known for its historic downtown area, featuring antique shops, quaint cafés, and cultural sites, including the Centralia Train Depot and the Historic Centralia College, which is one of the oldest community colleges in Washington.
In addition to its intriguing history, Centralia hosts various annual events, such as the Centralia Cheese Days festival, celebrating the region's dairy heritage, and the annual Boom Festival, which showcases local music, crafts, and food. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the nearby Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier, offering numerous outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. While Centralia has faced challenges due to the underground fire, the city continues to develop and attract visitors, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Facts about Centralia
- Centralia, Washington, is known for being the site of an underground coal mine fire that has been burning since 1962, making it one of the most notable ghost towns in the United States.
- The town once boasted a thriving population, but the fire led to massive evacuations, and today it has a significantly reduced population, giving it an eerie atmosphere.
- Centralia's abandoned buildings and the roads overtaken by grass and nature create a unique landscape, making it a popular spot for urban explorers and those interested in urban decay.
- The Centralia mine fire is so extensive that it has caused the ground to sink and smoke to rise in various parts of the city, leading to the nickname 'the town that is burning.'
- In 1985, the government declared Centralia unsafe and began evacuations, leading to a dramatic decline in its population from around 1,500 to less than 10 residents.
- Centralia is home to the famous 'Graffiti Highway,' a stretch of abandoned road that has become a canvas for street artists and a tourist attraction.
- The Centralia Historical Museum depicts the city's rich history before the fire and features artifacts that tell the story of its once-thriving coal mining community.
- Despite the challenges, Centralia holds an annual Centralia Painters' Festival, celebrating art and local talent, which brings together the small remaining community.
- Centralia has a unique connection to Route 61, often referred to as the 'Highway of Soot,' emphasizing its coal mining heritage and the impact of the underground fire.
- The local government has made efforts to convert parts of Centralia into a historical site, aiming to preserve its unique history while managing the implications of the mine fire.