Page Contents for Centralia, Washington

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Historical Events

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Statistics & Facts

The Washington state capital is Olympia.
The population of Centralia is approximately 12,101 (1994), 16336 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 5,234 (1990), 6640 (2010).
The amount of land area in Centralia is 15.396 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0.127 sq kilometers.
The distance from Centralia to Washington DC is 2487 miles.
The distance to the Washington state capital is 22 miles. (as the crow flies)
Centralia is positioned 46.72 degrees north of the equator and 122.96 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Centralia elevation is 188 feet above sea level.

Location

on Interstate 5 south of Olympia
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History & History Related Items

This community was founded in 1875 by a black man named George Washington. He was freed by his owner in Missouri, who adopted him as his own son.
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The founding of Centralia

1875

Attractions

Chehalis-Centralia Steam Train Ride
1945 S. Market Blvd.
Chehalis, Washington 98532
Phone: (360) 748-9593
This steam locomotive was built in 1916 and the trains make the 16 miles trip two times each day they are open. Please call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
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Centralia Historical Events

2001, October 7
William Hill
ELMA.WA - Former Harborite, William E. Hill, 68, of Olympia died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, at Lacey.
Mr. Hill was born April 3, 1933, at Spring City, Tenn., to Ira and Nora (Pipes) Hill.
In 1959, he moved to Elma, where he owned and operated Hill's TV and Appliance. He moved to Centralia in 1976 and later owned and operated Farmer "O" Inc. at Chehalis until 1985.
He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles for 40 years and took great pleasure in supporting his community.
Mr. Hill also enjoyed deep-sea fishing, camping and the outdoors. He was known for his cooking skills for his gardening talent.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Roza (Blankenship) Hill of Rochester; three sons, William Jr. of Napavine; Rick of Cosmopolis and Terry of Winlock; a daughter, Susan of Tumwater, and 10 grandchildren. A daughter, Shellamond, died before him in 1995
A private family memorial service is planned. Arrangements were by the Olympic Funeral Home of Tumwater.