Everett History 101 and Where to Learn More
Header image: Entrance to the Monte Cristo Hotel 1975-77 // Northwest Room, Everett Public Library
Did you know that …
The black cat was the symbol of the Wobblies?
Everett residents are known as “Everettites”?
The Everett tire fire lasted for 7 months?
There are obviously many other fun and interesting facts about our city that I could share here. In fact, it seems like every time I meet a neighbor or go somewhere I haven’t been before I learn something new about Everett. And apparently, I’m not the only one. Rarely do I meet someone who, after sharing a fun fact, doesn’t also add that they discover new things about our excellent city all the time.
1620 Hewitt Avenue // Northwest Room, Everett Public Library
With the above being such a shared experience for us all, it’s no stretch to say that Everett has a rich history. The local area was home to members of the Native Snohomish Tribe from time immemorial until they were forced to move to the Tulalip Reservation in the mid-1800s. Soon thereafter, the area boomed with the lumber and other industries on the waterfront, and, in 1893, the town of Everett (which was named after the investor Charles Colby’s son) became incorporated.
The population tripled over the next decade and, to meet the growing needs of the growing town, more businesses rooted themselves in Everett. The city continued to grow and expand, including welcoming Boeing to the community in the 1960s, and today Everett continues to welcome a variety of people and businesses to call here home.
The first large shopping complex on Evergreen Way 1965 // Northwest Room, Everett Public Library
With such a short summary, I’m sure many readers have their own knowledge of history and lore to add to the above, and there are many more readers who are interested in connecting more with Everett’s history. Luckily, a number of organizations and individuals are dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our community.
Historic Everett is a non-profit devoted to preserving and rehabilitating buildings, artifacts, and cultural items, as well as educating the community about Everett’s heritage. This team also hosts walking tours (and even has maps on their site to use for your very own self-directed tour!)
The Everett Historic Commission is made up of 9 Mayor-appointed commissioners who are concerned with conserving and promoting historical awareness in the community through sponsoring workshops, publishing educational materials, and protecting historical properties.
The Everett Museum of History, though not open yet at its downtown location, is committed to creating a museum where the community can learn about and experience our city’s history. People can collaborate in discussions, see preserved artifacts from Everett’s history, and attend events focused on our cultural heritage.
And of course, our The Everett Public Library! You can make an appointment in the Northwest Room where you can learn about local history from the experts who, in addition to sharing their knowledge of our city and region, will also help you with references and research.
The Bon Marché 1975-77 // Northwest Room, Everett Public Library
These are only some of the ways you can learn more about what makes our community the special place that we call home. By sharing in our history, and treasuring the journey that led us to our present, we can better work together to develop our future.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the history of Snohomish County and Washington State, you can also check out:
Like Everett History? Make sure to check out the great stories on our blog!
Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.
