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About Lewis County

Lewis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of 2000, the population was 68,600. The county seat is at Chehalis, and its largest city is Centralia.

It is named after Meriwether Lewis. Lewis County is known for sharing many characteristics with eastern Washington instead of western Washington, where it is located, especially politically. Lewis County voted for Republican George W. Bush by almost a 2-to-1 margin, in sharp contrast to the fairly Democratic surrounding areas.

Lewis County was created on December 19, 1845 by the provisional government of Oregon Territory.

Seeing history today is important to visitors and residents of Lewis County. The Lewis County Historical Museum in Chehalis invites you to honor the people, ideas, and events that laid the foundation for our lives today featuring a scale model railroad exhibit showcasing the railroad history of Lewis County, a hands-on children’s area, a research library including books and records on local history, and an extensive collection of photographs and newspapers.

Also, The Veterans Memorial Museum, founded in 1995, is dedicated to the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces, during peacetime and war. The new facility was completed in July 2005, and features a 9,000-square-foot main gallery with more than 85 displays including uniforms, artifacts, military vehicles, a

large military history library, and video recordings of veterans' stories. A 3,000-square-foot event and conference center is also available for reunions, conferences, seminars and receptions.

The Vintage Motorcycle Museum, located in the historic Hotel Washington also in Chehalis, is home to original and fully restored, pre-1916 motorcycles and an assortment of antique bicycles. This private museum’s showcases are filled with

memorabilia and historical photographs. Lewis County Centennial Businesses include Security State Bank in Chehalis and Lincoln Creek Lumber in Centralia.