In 1875, long before Centralia was a place on a map, a man named George Washington laid its foundation with intention, courage, and an extraordinary belief in community. Born in 1817 near Winchester, Virginia, Washington’s early life was shaped by hardship and resilience. Born to a father who had been enslaved and a mother of English descent, he was raised in childhood by the Cochran family, who eventually journeyed west with him in search of a better life. At a time when freedom did not guarantee fairness, Washington persisted — learning trades, acquiring land, and navigating laws that too often barred Black Americans from ownership and prosperity. 

After facing exclusionary laws in Oregon that prevented him from making a land claim, Washington continued north into what was then Washington Territory, where no such restrictions existed. There, at the confluence of the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers, he established a homestead, cleared land, and built a life grounded in hard work and generosity. When the Northern Pacific Railroad announced plans that would transform the region, Washington saw not just economic opportunity, but the chance to build something lasting. In 1875, he and his wife, Mary Jane, platted a town — originally called Centerville — selling lots on fair terms and intentionally setting aside land for shared community use. That settlement would soon become Centralia, a place founded on inclusion, cooperation, and opportunity for all. 

150 Years Later

In 2025, Centralia marked 150 years since that landmark moment when the first black founder in Washington created a town. Rather than simply commemorating the passage of time, the anniversary became a living reflection of George Washington’s legacy — one rooted in action, storytelling, and people. Throughout the year, the community came together to honor the values that shaped Centralia and to celebrate the generations who have carried those values forward. 

At the heart of the celebration was Founders Day, intentionally shaped around three guiding ideas: Restore, Remember, and Rejoice. Each offered a different way to honor the founder and the community he envisioned. 

Restore focused on stewardship of place, beginning with George Washington Park — the very land Washington donated as a community space. Volunteers gathered to clean up and care for the park, honoring the original gift that helped anchor Centralia’s civic life. That same plot of land would later become home to one of the city’s most beloved institutions, the Centralia Timberland Regional Library, continuing Washington’s belief that shared spaces strengthen community. By investing time and care into this place, residents honored not just the land, but the spirit behind its donation. 

Remember took place through an intimate and intentional graveside ceremony. Quiet, respectful, and deeply meaningful, the moment allowed space to reflect on George Washington’s life, his journey west, and the courage it took to create a town meant to outlast him. Rather than a large public spectacle, the ceremony centered on gratitude and acknowledgment — recognizing a founder whose actions shaped generations. 

Rejoice brought the celebration into the present, where history met joy and creativity. Live music filled downtown, and community members of all ages came together to paint a 150^th anniversary mural. One hundred and fifty individuals — ranging from just 18 months old to 86 years young — each painted a piece of the mural, literally adding their mark to Centralia’s story. Families, longtime residents, and first-time volunteers stood side by side, transforming a blank wall into a shared expression of the city’s past, present, and future. The mural was not painted for the community; it was painted by the community, embodying the inclusive vision George Washington set in motion 150 years ago. 

Celebrating Centralia

A limited-edition gold-foil postcard was created to mark the milestone, offering a tangible keepsake of the city’s history. Alongside it, a commemorative library card — developed in partnership with the Centralia Timberland Library — extended the celebration into a space rooted in learning, storytelling, and community. Simple and timeless, these pieces reflected the significance of the anniversary and the enduring impact of George Washington’s vision. Much like the town itself, they were designed to be shared, remembered, and cherished. 

Education and storytelling also played a vital role in the anniversary. Centralia’s updated coloring book featuring George Washington’s story, along with a special coloring page distributed to every kindergarten and first-grade student in the school district, ensured that the city’s youngest residents could connect with its history. By sharing the founder’s story in an accessible and creative way, the celebration planted seeds of understanding and pride that will grow with the next generation. 

Together, these moments formed more than an anniversary — they became a reflection of Centralia itself. By restoring shared spaces, remembering with intention, and rejoicing together through art, music, and community, the city honored George Washington in a way that felt true to his values. As Centralia looks ahead to its next chapter, it does so grounded in the same belief that sparked its founding: that a community built on generosity, inclusion, and shared purpose can endure for generations to come. 

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