Wauna, Washington facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wauna
census-designated place
Wauna Location in Washington (state)
Country	United States
State	Washington
County	Pierce
Area
• Total	6.39 sq mi (16.54 km2)
Elevation	16 ft (5 m)
Population  (2010)
• Total	4,186
• Density	655.48/sq mi (253.08/km2)
Time zone	UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	98395

Wauna is a small community in Washington state, located in Pierce County. It's known as a "census-designated place," which means it's an area identified by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes. It doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. In 2010, about 4,186 people lived there.

A Look at Wauna's Past

Wauna wasn't always called Wauna! When it was first planned out on September 14, 1889, it was named Springfield. However, the government asked for a name change because there were too many places named Springfield in Washington state.

So, a new name was needed. Mary Frances White, who was an early postmistress in the area, chose the name Wauna. This name comes from a Native American term that means "mighty water."