Kosmos, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kosmos, Washington
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White Pass Scenic Byway - Sign at Riffe Lake Overlook
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 Kosmos, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
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| Established | 1891 |
| Razed and flooded | 1968 |
| Named for | Greek term meaning "universe" |
Kosmos (pronounced CAUSE-muss) was a small community in Lewis County, Washington. It was located southwest of Glenoma. Today, Kosmos is known as a flooded town. Its name comes from a Greek word meaning "the world" or "the universe."
History of Kosmos
The town of Kosmos officially began in 1891. It was first called Fulton, named after Homer Fulton, who was the first postmaster there. In 1903, the town's name changed to Kosmos. This new name was chosen by the wife of B.W. Coiner, an early settler.
The main jobs in Kosmos were in logging and sawmills. People also mined for mercury, which was another important business. To get to the community, people used the Fulton Ferry before bridges were built. A school district and a schoolhouse opened in 1913. When Kosmos was at its busiest, about 500 to 600 people lived there. The town had two grocery stores, a post office, and a shop for train engines, along with other services.
Why Kosmos Was Flooded
In 1968, people living in Kosmos had to move away. This also happened to people in nearby communities like Neskia and Riffe. They moved because the Mossyrock Dam was being finished. Before the Cowlitz River rose behind the dam to create Riffe Lake, most buildings in Kosmos were torn down. Only their foundations were left.
Several bridges near the town were also destroyed. For example, the Steffen Creek Bridge was blown up. This was part of special tests by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
What Remains of Kosmos Today
Sometimes, when the lake's water level is low, parts of the old town can be seen. In 2017, the lake's water level dropped 30 feet. This made the remains of Kosmos visible again.
You can visit these remains at the Kosmos Wildlife Area Unit. This area is part of the Cowlitz River Wildlife Area. Here, you can see concrete foundations from old buildings. You might also find areas where logging camps once stood. Remains of mills and timber factories are also visible.
