Index, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Index
x̌əx̌aʔusalʔtxʷ
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Index and surrounding mountains viewed from the Index Town Wall Trailhead
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Location of Index, Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Snohomish |
| Incorporated | October 11, 1907 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.23 sq mi (0.59 km2) |
| • Land | 0.23 sq mi (0.59 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 577 ft (176 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 155 |
| • Estimate
(2022)
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156 |
| • Density | 673.91/sq mi (262.71/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
98256
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| Area code | 360 |
| FIPS code | 53-33175 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1521157 |
Index (Lushootseed: x̌əx̌aʔusalʔtxʷ) is a small town in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. In 2020, about 155 people lived there.
Contents
History of Index
Early Days and Native People
Before European settlers arrived, the Skykomish people lived along the Skykomish River. They had many villages, including a large one called x̌əx̌aʔusalʔtxʷ in the area now known as Index. This village was a main camp for people traveling into the Cascades to hunt and gather food.
Founding and Growth
Index was founded in 1889 by Amos Gunn. His home also served as a hotel for people looking for gold and surveying the land. His wife, Persis, named the town after nearby Mount Index. The mountain looked like an index finger.
The town grew a lot after the Great Northern Railway arrived. Index officially became a town on October 11, 1907.
Boom and Decline
At its busiest in the 1910s, Index had about 1,000 people. It was known for its granite quarry, copper mines, and a shingle mill. Over time, the town's population became smaller.
In December 1980, a big flood damaged many buildings and roads. However, the people living there worked together to rebuild their town.
Recent Events
In 2022, people in Index had to leave their homes because of the Bolt Creek Fire nearby. Luckily, they were able to return a few days later.
Geography of Index
Mountains and Rivers
Index is located in the western part of the Cascade Mountains. The tall Mount Index is about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the town. The Index Town Walls are granite cliffs up to 500 feet (150 m) high. These cliffs are popular for rock climbing.
The town sits on the North Fork Skykomish River. This river joins the main Skykomish River nearby. The Skykomish River also has Sunset Falls, a beautiful granite chute where the water drops about 100 feet (30 m).
Location and Transport
Index is about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of US Highway 2. This highway connects the town to other places like Everett and Stevens Pass. The BNSF Scenic Subdivision also runs through the town. This railway was once important for mining and timber activities.
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People of Index (Demographics)
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 417 | — | |
| 1920 | 412 | −1.2% | |
| 1930 | 381 | −7.5% | |
| 1940 | 217 | −43.0% | |
| 1950 | 211 | −2.8% | |
| 1960 | 158 | −25.1% | |
| 1970 | 169 | 7.0% | |
| 1980 | 147 | −13.0% | |
| 1990 | 139 | −5.4% | |
| 2000 | 157 | 12.9% | |
| 2010 | 178 | 13.4% | |
| 2020 | 155 | −12.9% | |
| 2022 (est.) | 156 | −12.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Index has a small population, usually around 150 to 200 people. Many residents are retired, or they work in the local area. Some people also have vacation homes there.
In 2020, Index had 155 residents. It is the smallest town in Snohomish County.
2010 Census Information
According to the 2010 U.S. census, there were 178 people living in Index. There were 80 households, and 44 of them were families.
About 26% of households had children under 18. The average age of people in Index was 42 years old.
Economy of Index
From Industry to Tourism
In the past, Index's economy relied on getting natural resources like timber and minerals. Today, it focuses more on tourism. Many visitors come for outdoor activities, especially in the summer.
Local Businesses and History
A recording studio called Studio X is located in Index. Famous musicians like Jerry Cantrell have recorded albums there.
The area also had granite quarries. The granite from Index was used to build important buildings like the Washington State Capitol Building and Smith Tower in Seattle.
Culture in Index
Community Buildings
The Red Men Hall was once the biggest building in town and a center for social life. Sadly, it collapsed in 2009 after a big snowstorm.
Another important building is the Bush House, which opened as a hotel in 1899. After being closed for many years, it was renovated and reopened in 2017 as a hotel, restaurant, and event space.
Filming Location
The Index area has been used as a setting for movies and TV shows. For example, parts of the 1987 film Harry and the Hendersons and the 2016 film Captain Fantastic were filmed here.
Religious Groups
Index is home to the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, a Wicca church. It was one of the first modern Pagan churches recognized by the state government. There is also a Protestant Christian church in the area.
Education in Index
The Index School District serves the town. It has one school for students from kindergarten to 8th grade. In 2020, about 28 students attended this school.
After 8th grade, students travel by bus to Sultan Senior High School for their high school education.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Roads and Bridges
Index is about 1 mile (1.6 km) northeast of U.S. Route 2. This main highway connects Index to other cities. The town is linked to US 2 by Index–Galena Road.
A section of Index–Galena Road was washed out by a flood in 2006. After a three-year project, the road was rebuilt and reopened in 2023. The new road was moved to higher ground and has new bridges to prevent future flood damage.
The town's bridge over the Skykomish River North Fork was first built in 1922. A new bridge replaced it in 1999.
See also
In Spanish: Index (Washington) para niños
