June 10th Hearing on Historic Recognition of the Cowlitz Trail

The Thurston County Historic Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. regarding an application to place a surviving segment of the historic Cowlitz Trail corridor on the Thurston County Historic Register. If approved, the designation would help bring greater recognition to an important piece of Indigenous and regional history.

Many people know about the Oregon Trail. Far fewer know about the Cowlitz Trail—the Indigenous travel corridor that existed long before settlers arrived and which became the northern spur of the Oregon Trail.

Both BAR Holdings and the neighboring parcel contain a remnant of the Cowlitz Trail. See these maps. The Thurston County Historic Commission is considering putting the neighboring parcel on the county historic register (Because the landowner must consent, it is not possible to put the BAR Holdings parcel on the register).

If you support preserving awareness of this important piece of Indigenous and regional history, please consider submitting a comment or attending the hearing.

Comments are due by noon on June 10. Comments may be emailed to Amelia.Schwartz@co.thurston.wa.us

To attend the hearing:

In Person: 3000 Pacific Ave SE, Room 110 Olympia, WA 98501

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87859167611 Meeting ID: 878 5916 7611 Enter password: 140002