Chehalis

Chehalis is a city in Lewis County, Washington, United States. It is the county seat of Lewis County. The population was 7,259 at the 2020 census. The city is located in the southwestern part of the state, along the Interstate 5 corridor.

History

The area now known as Chehalis was originally inhabited by the Chehalis people, a Native American tribe. The city was officially incorporated on November 23, 1883. The name "Chehalis" is derived from the Chehalis people, and it means "sand" in their language.

Geography

Chehalis is situated at the confluence of the Chehalis River and the Newaukum River. The city covers a total area of 5.55 square miles, of which 5.53 square miles is land and 0.02 square miles is water.

Economy

The economy of Chehalis is diverse, with key sectors including retail, manufacturing, and agriculture. The city is home to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, which is a significant tourist attraction.

Education

Chehalis is served by the Chehalis School District, which includes W.F. West High School, Chehalis Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city is also in proximity to Centralia College, which offers higher education opportunities.

Transportation

Chehalis is accessible via Interstate 5, which runs north-south through the city. The city is also served by the Chehalis-Centralia Airport, a public-use airport located just outside the city limits.

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Chehalis are provided by the Providence Centralia Hospital, which is located in the nearby city of Centralia.

Notable People

• Ben Cheney, founder of the Cheney Lumber Company
• Harry L. F. Lee, former mayor of Chehalis and state legislator

Related Pages

• Lewis County, Washington
• Chehalis River
• Chehalis people
• Interstate 5
• Centralia, Washington
• Providence Centralia Hospital