Centennial Trail History Walk

  1. What was the first railroad to build into Snohomish County and what is much of its right-of-way called today?
  2. What year was the first Depot built on the Centennial Trail?
  3. What site did the railroad first arrive at on the Centennial Trail?
  4. What was the main industry for the Centennial Trail railroad?
  5. What are the main Tribal groups along the Centennial Trail?
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Want to learn more fun facts about Snohomish County heritage? Then grab your walking shoes, hop on a bike - or put the kids in the stroller and make your way down the Centennial Trail, July 20th from 10a.m. – 2p.m. to learn local history along the former tribal route and early-century transportation corridor.

The Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission and local heritage organizations and Tribes will offer kids activities, hands-on interactive exhibits, cool refreshments and a chance to touch historic artifacts. The event is free.

Activities will be located at:


  • Machias Trailhead - 1624 Virginia St., Snohomish. Historical maps and literature will be on display that showcase the Northern Pacific Railway routes that make up the Centennial and Whitehorse Trails as well as the Monte Cristo branch.  There will be historic artifacts including railroad related tools, historic period and prehistoric artifacts you can touch.  Try your hand at screening for artifacts like a real archaeologist, see how stone tools are made, see historic photographs about railroads, mining and agriculture.  Learn about the history all around you from historians and archaeologists.  And remember History is Just Ahead!.

Snohomish County started to develop sections of the Centennial Trail in 1989 during the State’s centennial celebration. Today the rail alignment is part of a developing regional trail network connecting to Woodinville, Monroe, Everett, Lake Stevens, Arlington and Skagit County.

Can’t make it to the Centennial Trail History Walk? Don’t let that stop you from learning fascinating stories of the people and industries that made an impact on our community in the fields of agriculture, timber and rail at www.centennialtrail.com.

For more information about the event, email Gretchen Kaehler, Snohomish County Archaeologist, Snohomish County Parks and Recreation.

Trivia question info:

Scripophily.com

Trail Link Website

Centennial Trail's Website

Centennial Trail Map