Wilkeson Arch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wilkeson Arch
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The relocated arch in 2008
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | WA 165, Church St. and Brierhill Blvd., Wilkeson, Washington |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000973 |
| Added to NRHP | August 10, 2000 |
The Wilkeson Arch is a large, impressive stone and wood archway. It stands at the west entrance to the town of Wilkeson, Washington. This special structure was built in 1925 by a group called the Wilkeson Booster Club. They spent about $2000 to build it.
The arch looks a lot like other entrance arches found in nearby Mount Rainier National Park. These include the Chinook Pass, Nisqually, and White River arches. Its style is known as the National Park Service Rustic style. This was a popular way to design buildings in national parks back then. The main goal of the arch was to encourage people to visit Wilkeson. It also aimed to promote local products like coal and sandstone.
What the Wilkeson Arch Looks Like
The Wilkeson Arch is located on Washington State Route 165. It stretches right over the road. The arch has two strong, square pillars made from local sandstone. These pillars have simple stone bases and tops.
On top of the pillars, there is a structure made of logs. This log structure holds up a single large fir log that spans across the road. This log was originally made of cedar.
A sign is attached to the log above the road. When you enter Wilkeson, the sign says "WILKESON COAL MINES - WILKESON SANDSTONE" and "GATEWAY TO THE CARBON GLACIER." When you leave, the sign reminds you "TACOMA 30 MILES - SEATTLE 50 MILES" and "REMEMBER WILKESON." Each pillar is about 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide and 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall.
History of the Arch
The Wilkeson Arch was first built on Route 165 near Brierhill Boulevard. However, it was damaged during an earthquake on February 28, 2001. This earthquake is known as the Nisqually earthquake.
The arch was rebuilt in 2004 and officially opened again in 2009. It was moved a few blocks south to Route 165 near Hill Street. This move caused some discussion among local people. When it was rebuilt, its span was made two feet wider.
The Wilkeson Arch was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 10, 2000. This means it is recognized as an important historical structure.
