Though Cowlitz County is one of the smallest counties in Washington state, its past has been richly textured by the six rivers that flow through it: The Columbia, Kalama, Lewis, Coweeman, Toutle and Cowlitz rivers. Rivers throughout history have given rise to civilizations, so it is not surprising that Cowlitz County's rivers have lured settlers and industries. But each of these rivers had its own appeal, its own convenience or difficulty of settlement, its own methods of logging or fishing, its own vessels and bridges, and even its own scenery; each thus offered its own unique possibilities to the people who came here. Virginia Urrutia has taken these six strands and deftly woven them together with narratives of families, communities, governments, agriculture, industries, and events, creating a colorful and entertaining tapestry that will reward the attention of any reader, from the most casual tourist to the most knowledgeable citizen of the region. Book contains map of region and is illustrated with 100 photographs

Cowlitz County (Wash.) History, Frontier and pioneer life, Frontier and pioneer life Washington (State) Cowlitz County, History, Rivers, Rivers Washington (State) Cowlitz County History, United States, Washington, Cowlitz History, Washington (State) Cowlitz County

In the beginnings: six rivers Those who came first "What ifs" of our history "From the Columbia to the Ocian!" Followers bring followers More pale faces in the Cowlitz corridor They settled along the rivers Towns take root On up rivers for more space Rivers late for settlement Order but still no law "An awful road, really!" Water power and steam Will rail beat sail? Up two rivers by steamer From forest and river New century: great changes The biggest mill on earth Instant city They came to the Columbia The Great Depression The shock of war A time of expansion Disasters and survival Six rivers seek the pioneers of tomorrow Appendix A: Cowlitz County Chronology Appendix B: Changing populations of Cowlitz County cities