A Brief History of Snoqualmie
The name “Snoqualmie” is derived from the Lushootseed name s•dukʷalbixʷ, generally interpreted to mean “ferocious people”, a name applied by another Coast Salishan people in reference to the Snoqualmie people. The second written record of the exploration of the Snoqualmie Valley comes from the notes of Samuel Hancock, who ventured up-river with the Snoqualmie Tribe in 1851 in search of coal. Hancock’s guides told him the area was good and productive land, and he took this information back to what is now Tacoma.
The most successful early pioneer in the Valley was Jeremiah Borst, who arrived in the spring of 1858 over the Cedar River trail from the eastern side of the mountains. He settled in the area that formerly held Fort Alden, and used his sales of pigs and apples in Seattle to buy out much of the surrounding land from other settlers. Other settlers started a lumber mill, and within 15 years logging and mill work employed 140 men. In the late 19th century, a group of Seattle entrepreneurs funded and built their own railway that opened up the natural resources of the Snoqualmie Valley to the markets of the world, which brought tourists to the area.
The area that is currently Snoqualmie was platted in August 1889 as “Snoqualmie Falls” by investors from Seattle. The first residents of Snoqualmie, Edmund and Louisa Kinsey, established the town’s first hotel, livery, general store, dance hall, post office, church, and meat market. Snoqualmie Falls became incorporated into the city of Snoqualmie in 1903. For the first half of the century, the timber industry provided the city and valley with a stable source of income and employment, even as World War I drew away workers and the Great Depression took its toll across the nation. The town experienced a slow growth in population until the mid-1990s, when Snoqualmie Ridge I was built. Snoqualmie Ridge I includes 2,250 dwelling units, a business park, a neighborhood center retail area and The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge a private golf course.
Snoqualmie Today
Today, Snoqualmie has a population of over 13,000 people who enjoy the city’s 40 parks and 20 miles of maintained trails for walking, biking, or horseback riding. Some notable landmarks in Snoqualmie include:
- Snoqualmie Falls
Known for its frequent appearance in the television show Twin Peaks, more than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year, where there is a two-acre park, an observation deck, and a gift shop! For the Snoqualmie People, who have lived for centuries in the Snoqualmie Valley in western Washington, Snoqualmie Falls is central to their culture, beliefs, and spirituality. The Falls are also a premier wedding destination.
- Northwest Railway Museum
The museum’s collection includes a variety of railway cars and locomotives that document that development of the railway in Washington from the 1880s through the 1960s,
- Snoqualmie Casino
The casino offers a one-of-a-kind gaming and entertainment experience. The Snoqualmie Casino holds live performances from comedians, musicians and more.
- Meadowbrook Farm
Meadowbrook Farm is 460 acres of scenic and historic public open space on the Snoqualmie Valley floor, located within the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend.
Your Trusted Local German Auto Maintenance and Repair Shop
When Snoqualmie residents need their cars repaired or maintained, they come to Eastside Bavarian in Issaquah. Issaquah is just a quick trip on the I-90 away from Snoqualmie. Our service advisor team have a combined 40 years of experience and we are committed to providing top-notch customer service, every time. Here are a few reasons why you should choose Eastside Bavarian as your German Car Service Specialist:
- We will act with integrity and operate with transparency.
- We will provide a clean and safe environment for our customers, their cars and our employees.
- We will always act responsibly and be good stewards of our environment.
- We will only offer high quality replacement parts.
Make Eastside Bavarian in Issaquah your local German auto maintenance and repair shop! Schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at 425-390-1990.
