Eatonville, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eatonville, Washington
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Welcome sign in Eatonville
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Location of Eatonville, Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Pierce |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.84 sq mi (4.78 km2) |
| • Land | 1.83 sq mi (4.73 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,845 |
| • Density | 1,657.17/sq mi (639.89/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
98328
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| Area code(s) | 360 |
| FIPS code | 53-20260 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1519161 |
Eatonville is a small town in Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is located about 32 miles (51 kilometers) south of Tacoma. In 2020, the town had a population of 2,845 people. Eatonville's motto is "Better Together."
Contents
History of Eatonville
For many centuries, the Nisqually people lived and traveled along the rivers and streams in the Eatonville area. A famous Nisqually leader named Leschi was born here in 1808.
How Eatonville Was Founded
In 1889, a Nisqually guide named Indian Henry helped Thomas C. Van Eaton find the perfect spot for a new settlement. Henry guided Van Eaton from Mashell Prairie to where Eatonville is today. Legend says that when they arrived, Henry said, "This is a good place. Not much snow."
Early white settlers and the Nisqually people living nearby needed supplies. Thomas C. Van Eaton opened a trading post to provide these goods. He brought supplies by stagecoach from Spanaway along a difficult trail through thick forests. In 1891, the settlers built the town's first school, which is still used today.
Growth and Development
For many years, Eatonville was a popular stop for people visiting Mount Rainier. In 1902, the Tacoma Eastern Railroad arrived in town. This railroad helped transport goods and people, connecting Eatonville to Tacoma. Soon after, several small sawmills opened in the area.
Eatonville officially became a town on October 28, 1909. This happened after the Eatonville Lumber Company brought more people to work in its mill. The lumber mill eventually closed in 1954.
In the 1970s, the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park opened near Eatonville. It quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, along with Mount Rainier.
Recent Events
On April 27, 2014, a small tornado briefly touched down near Eatonville. It caused some minor damage in the area.
Geography and Climate
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Eatonville covers a total area of about 1.84 square miles (4.76 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
What is Eatonville's Climate Like?
Eatonville has a climate with warm, dry summers. The average monthly temperatures do not go above 71.6°F (22°C). This type of weather is known as a warm-summer Mediterranean climate.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 754 | — | |
| 1920 | 861 | 14.2% | |
| 1930 | 912 | 5.9% | |
| 1940 | 996 | 9.2% | |
| 1950 | 1,048 | 5.2% | |
| 1960 | 896 | −14.5% | |
| 1970 | 852 | −4.9% | |
| 1980 | 998 | 17.1% | |
| 1990 | 1,374 | 37.7% | |
| 2000 | 2,012 | 46.4% | |
| 2010 | 2,758 | 37.1% | |
| 2020 | 2,845 | 3.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 Census |
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Population in 2010
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According to the 2010 census, 2,758 people lived in Eatonville. There were 992 households and 714 families. The town had about 1,515 people per square mile (585 people per square kilometer).
Most of the people living in Eatonville in 2010 were White (90.1%). Other groups included African American (0.5%), Native American (1.1%), and Asian (0.9%). About 5.9% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Eatonville was 34.4 years. About 30.4% of residents were under 18 years old. About 12.6% were 65 years or older.
Notable People from Eatonville
- Mark Fuhrman – A former police detective from Los Angeles.
See also
In Spanish: Eatonville (Washington) para niños
