Cosmopolis means "City of the World"
Cosmopolis “Cosi" Washington
Grays Harbor's oldest and most affluent (per capita) city
Mill Creek Park
Cosmopolis
sits on the site of the first treaty meeting between state tribes and settlers
and home to the first saw mill beginning an town industry that lasting
nearly 120 years.
Cosmopolis runs adjacent to Aberdeen’s south border along the banks of the tranquil and scenic Chehalis River bank. Interstate Highway 101 runs paralell to the river bank through the community. In 2000 the census reported a population of 1,595 located within 1.4 square miles of land (plus 0.2 square miles of water).United States Census Bureau.
Cosmopolis has the highest median income in Grays Harbors and is also the county's oldest city. In 2000, Cosmopolis' per capita income was $18,759; 11.3% of the lived below the poverty line. The Cosmopolis School District serves 190 preschool through sixth grade students. Secondary students in grades seven through 12 attend the Aberdeen School District.
History
In February, 1855, at the Chehalis River banks (now the City of Cosmopolis) Governor Isaac Stevens sought agreements. Over 350 people representing numerous tribes attended. Despite anamiable gathering, treaties only ended up being signed with the Quinault and Quileute tribes on January 25, 1856.
In 1852 James Pilkington filed claim on the property along the banks of the Chehalis River under the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850, similar to the Homestead Act. On April 26, 1859 Pilkington sold the land to David F. Byles and Austin E. Young for $1500. Businesses began sprouting up immediately. On June 25, 1861, the roadways access was were given to the citizens to be used for the development of a city. The city was incorporated in 1891.
The first saw mill, Grays Harbor Mill Company opened in 1888. In 1957 Weyerhaeuser purchased Grays Harbor Mill Company for a pulp mill producing photographic papers, plastic molding compounds, and acetate yarns, etc.
In 2005 and 2006 Cosmopolis lost its economic base with the closure of two mills representing the loss of over 300 jobs in an area that high unemployment and growth hovering at a negative number.
Cosmopolis Trails:
Cosi’s most popular park is Mill Creek Park Trail (pictured above) with miles of flat and graded gravel trails, along Mill Creek and around Mill Creek Pond. It is located on C Street a few blocks past the school.
Makarenko Park Trail is a great nature trail for walkers and joggers. Two miles of gravel trails wind through the woods between Bell Hill and Cemetery Hill. Directions: Turn north onto G Street, take a left on Altenau Street, go up the hill to Stanford Drive and follow the road to the right to Makarenko Park.
City of Cosmopolis 532-9230