Curtis, Washington Explained

Curtis, Washington should not be confused with Curtis Washington.

Official Name:Curtis, Washington
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Pushpin Map:Washington#USA
Pushpin Label:Curtis
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Washington
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Lewis
Timezone:Pacific (PST)
Utc Offset:-8
Timezone Dst:PDT
Utc Offset Dst:-7
Elevation M:70
Elevation Ft:[1] 230
Postal Code Type:zip code
Postal Code:98538
Area Code:360

Curtis is an unincorporated community in Washington.[1] It is located less than 3-miles north of Boistfort and is south of Washington State Route 6. The South Fork Chehalis River flows thru the town.

History

A post office has been in operation since 1901 inside the Curtis General Store. Benjamin L. Curtis, the first postmaster of the area, built the store and gave the community his name.[2]

At its founding, the town's economy was based on logging and farming,[3] particularly hops. The Klaber Hop Fields (Farm) once existed in Curtis, overlapping with the communities of Boistfort and Klaber. Recorded at 360acres, it was the largest hops field in the world for a time.[4]

Arts and culture

Historic buildings and sites

Curtis is home to two listings on the National Register of Historic Places, the Boistfort High School and the Wolfenbarger Site.

Education

The community once had a two-room schoolhouse.[3] Curtis students are now served by the Boistfort School District and the Boistfort Consolidated School.[5]

Government and politics

Politics

Curtis has historically voted Republican and conservative. As this is an unincorporated community, there are no defined bounds, and the precinct may be incongruous with the census boundaries.

The 2020 election included 2 votes for candidates of the Libertarian Party and 2 votes for write-in candidates.

Notes and References

  1. 1510904. Curtis.
  2. Book: Meany, Edmond S.. Origin of Washington geographic names. 1923. University of Washington Press. Seattle. 62.
  3. News: Alleva . Paul . Stories from Curtis residents recall days of glory . 16 December 2021 . TheChronicle . March 30, 2002 . 14–15.
  4. News: The Chronicle staff . Enjoy Some Roadside History . July 1, 2024 . The Chronicle . April 27, 2007 . 14.
  5. Web site: Boistfort School District . boistfortschool.org . Boistfort School District.
  6. Web site: Lewis County 2020 Election . Results.Vote.WA . July 23, 2021.