Snohomish WA - The Antique Capital of the Northwest
Snohomish WA is a charming, quaint town in the state of Washington that boasts a number of unique attractions and a warm, welcoming community. It is often referred to as the “Antique Capital of the Northwest” and is known for its historic downtown. The heart of the downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to numerous B&Bs, cozy eateries, trendy bars and antique shops. Learn more about Vital Marketing Services here.
The city’s downtown business district is a popular tourist destination and was renovated in the 1990s to take advantage of its historic buildings as a tourist attraction. Its sidewalks were rebuilt and public restrooms added. In addition, the city hall and police station were moved away from First Street to make way for an attractive public square.
Many of the historic houses in the downtown area are occupied by restaurants, art galleries and boutiques that specialize in antiques, gifts and crafts. These businesses are among the reasons that people keep coming back to this charming town, time and again.
One of the most well-known and admired features of the city’s downtown is the many restored Victorian homes, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These homes are a prime example of the historical charm that can be found throughout Snohomish, and they have their own special history that is told to visitors through tours that are given on a regular basis.
A large proportion of the houses in the downtown area are restored to their original state and many have a plaque on them with the year they were built. Tours of these homes are offered on a regular basis, and some are open year-round.
There are several organizations in Snohomish that promote and preserve the cultural heritage of our community. These include the League of Historic Preservation Organizations, the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission, and the Snohomish County Arts Commission.
The league coordinates heritage organizations in the county for mutual assistance through workshops and conferences, sharing of technical information, a quarterly newsletter, an awards program and the organization of countywide heritage projects. The historic preservation commission is charged with identifying, evaluating and encouraging the preservation of local historic sites and structures.
In the beginning, Snohomish was a small town that served as the county seat of Snohomish County and had a courthouse, school building, six saloons, and a train station. In 1884, the population was 700.
Since then, the city has grown and diversified into a modern city with a thriving economy. In addition to its retail businesses, Snohomish is also a center for manufacturing, service industries and other services.
During the early years, the lumber industry was the major source of employment in Snohomish. In the late 1800s, this industry shifted from lumber production to canning. The soil and climate of the area made it a perfect environment for superior fruit growing.
Another important contributor to the city’s growth was the development of the railway, including the Snohomish Railroad, which ran from Seattle through Snohomish and into Everett. This railroad helped to establish the city as the economic hub of Snohomish County and a vital transportation center.