Buckley, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buckley, Washington
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Buckley Welcome Sign
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Location of Buckley, Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Pierce |
| Incorporated | 1889 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.97 sq mi (10.29 km2) |
| • Land | 3.86 sq mi (10.00 km2) |
| • Water | 0.11 sq mi (0.29 km2) |
| Elevation | 725 ft (221 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,114 |
| • Estimate
(2021)
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5,321 |
| • Density | 1,288.2/sq mi (496.99/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
98321
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| Area code(s) | 360 |
| FIPS code | 53-08570 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1517059 |
Buckley is a friendly city in Pierce County, Washington, in the United States. It was founded in 1882 and is home to over 5,000 people. Buckley is located near the majestic Mount Rainier and is famous for its exciting annual Log Show, a fun event celebrating logging history.
Contents
Buckley's Location and Climate
Buckley is located at 47 degrees North latitude and 122 degrees West longitude. This means it's in the northwestern part of the United States. It's close to other towns like Enumclaw, Bonney Lake, and Wilkeson.
How Big is Buckley?
The city covers a total area of about 3.95 square miles (10.23 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small part being water.
What's the Weather Like?
Buckley has a type of weather called a "warm-summer Mediterranean climate." This means it usually has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It's a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.
People of Buckley
Buckley has grown quite a bit over the years. In 2020, the city had 5,114 people living there. The population has steadily increased since the early 1900s, showing that more and more people are choosing to call Buckley home.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 878 | — | |
| 1900 | 1,014 | 15.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,272 | 25.4% | |
| 1920 | 1,119 | −12.0% | |
| 1930 | 1,052 | −6.0% | |
| 1940 | 1,170 | 11.2% | |
| 1950 | 2,705 | 131.2% | |
| 1960 | 3,538 | 30.8% | |
| 1970 | 3,446 | −2.6% | |
| 1980 | 3,143 | −8.8% | |
| 1990 | 3,516 | 11.9% | |
| 2000 | 4,145 | 17.9% | |
| 2010 | 4,354 | 5.0% | |
| 2020 | 5,114 | 17.5% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 5,321 | 22.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 Census |
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Buckley's Population in 2010
According to the 2010 census, there were 4,354 people living in Buckley. There were about 1,591 households, which are groups of people living together. The average household had about 2.5 people.
The median age in Buckley was about 39.9 years old. This means half the people were younger than 39.9 and half were older. About 22.5% of the residents were under 18 years old.
Buckley's History
Buckley has a rich history, starting long before it became a city.
Early Days and Founding
In 1856, an important battle of the Puget Sound War happened near Buckley. This battle helped boost the spirits of the settlers. The first permanent non-Native American resident, Jeremiah Stilley, settled west of town in 1875. That same year, coal was discovered nearby in Wilkeson.
A railroad was built in 1877 to transport coal from Tacoma to Wilkeson. In 1882, the town was first called "Perkin's Prairie." By 1884, the Northern Pacific Railway built a special track to the area, and the town was renamed "White River Siding."
Becoming a City
In 1887, the town was officially renamed "Buckley" after J.M. Buckley, a railway superintendent. This was also the year the first school was established. The town site was planned out in 1888, and lumber and shingle mills began to open.
The first post office opened in 1889, and the town also got its first newspaper, "The Buckley Banner." In 1890, the town was officially incorporated, meaning it became a recognized city.
Fires and Growth
Buckley faced some challenges, including several large fires. In 1892, a fire almost destroyed the business district. Many brick buildings built after this fire still stand today. Another big fire hit the business district in 1898.
Despite the fires, Buckley continued to grow. A new school was built in 1892, and the first permanent church was established. The city also got its first organized water system that year. The Buckley Fire Department was officially formed in 1893.
Education and Infrastructure
The first high school classes were held in 1898, and the first high school graduation happened in 1905. A new brick school was built in 1910 after the previous one burned down.
In 1907, a gravity water system was built, which is still used today. Electricity became common around this time. The current town hall was built in 1911, and the main streets were paved in 1912.
Modern Developments
In 1932, the Rainier State School opened in Buckley. Work on the Mud Mountain Dam began in 1939 and was completed in 1942. This dam helps control the White River.
In 1946, the city limits expanded to include the Rainier School. The last company-operated coal mining in Buckley ended in 1947. In 2003, White River High School moved to a new, modern location.
Famous People from Buckley
- Blaine Larsen, a talented country music artist.
- Lucille Lund, an actress.
- Fences (band), an Indie music artist.
Images for kids
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Main Street in Buckley, Washington
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Buckley City Hall
See also
In Spanish: Buckley (Washington) para niños
