Tuesday, June 19 - We woke up to a rainy day today so we scrapped our plans to explore Mount St. Helens. Instead, we dodged the raindrops and visited the sights of Longview, Washington.
Founding father Robert A Long began planning for the world's largest lumber mill. He immediately approved for his employees a modern city called Longview, what is known as the first truly planned city of the 20th century.
Thank you Mr. Long
In the middle of town is Lake Sacajawea. It is named after the Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition through this area over 200 years ago.
Sacajawea, also known as Janey, and Jean Baptiste, her son, aka "Pomp"
Lake Sacajawea is a huge, man-made lake covering is 120 acres on Longview's Historic Westside.
Used for all types of local events, this beautiful park has 3.5 miles of trails, two fountains, three playgrounds, and numerous benches for resting.
Best Friends
Japanese Island
Bridge to island.
Lovely Japanese garden.
In another park in the center of the town is Squirrel Monument/Tree City USA. Longview's abundance of oak trees means a healthy population of squirrels. There is even a Squirrel Festival held each year.
Giant wooden squirrel statue
Nutty Narrows Squirrel Bridge. Don't forget to look up as you drive around town to see the numerous and unique bridges built over the streets just for squirrels. As it goes, the road is too wide for the little legs of the squirrels to get across safely, so the residents decided to build bridges for their furry friends. At Christmas time, they adorn the bridges with colorful lights and Christmas trees.
Running to get to the bridge.
Monticello Hotel. This is one of the first buildings built in Longview as a showcase for the “Planned City.” At the center of town, “the Hotel” has long been the focal point of community and social activities. It has a ballroom, lounge, and restaurant.
Longview Public Library. Founding father Long donated the library. This represents the importance he placed on the city's cultural and intellectual growth. It has one of the few rooftop cupolas in the region.
Storybook Time, our favorite statue…why? The cat!
R.A. Long Park & Terrace. This green space in the center of the circle is named after Longview's founder R.A. Long. Here you find several monuments.
North to Olympia. This stone is dedicated to the pioneers who blazed the way through here to Olympia, the end of the Oregon Trail.
Veteran's Memorial. This Memorial commemorates the sacrifices of local members of the Armed Services.
We did a short visit to the downtown area.
The Columbia Theatre was dubbed the "Crown Jewel of Southwest Washington" when it was built in 1925. It hosts national, international, and regional artists and is home to many community arts partners.
Despite the nasty weather, we enjoyed our visit to Longview and see all the hidden treasures it holds.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!
R A Long had a big presence here in Kansas City he had a big ranch here called Longview Farm and there is a big lake that was built back in the 80's called Longview Lake. Also on the land is Longview College.
ReplyDeleteYa know, I've lived in Wa/Or almost 71 years. Many times over those years we've driven through Longview, but NEVER have just stopped, taken a day and toured the city.! You have made Longview look so inviting. Thinking we need to put that on our bucket list. Thanks you two!
ReplyDeleteOK -- now I've heard it all ... bridges for squirrels! Who would have thunk it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gem of a town...your pictures were great and the information you shared so interesting. I think that huge squirrel was my favorite statute! Hope the weather clears to visit Mt. St. Helens!
ReplyDeleteLoved the squirrel bridge cause it brought back the memories of us touring Longview when we were there. But you do find things that we never did track down which is so fun.
ReplyDeletewe drove through Longview, at least I think we did on our way to Anacortes in 2008..sure wish we would have stopped now that you have shared all there is to see!..my favorite statue would have to be the dog and the cat too!!
ReplyDeleteWe've driven past Longview dozens of times and never knew the history of the town.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour and we'll be stopping there for sure sometime.
We've kind of stayed close to the Longview area for the last three years but haven't discovered half of what you discovered this one day. I see you did find the squirrel bridge. I betcha that's a one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteSquirrel bridges ' that's pritty cool "I gess we've heard it all. " THANKS "
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting town. I liked the cat statue too!
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