Monday, November 22, 2010

Hoquiam: A Developing Community Rich in History

By Mike Elliott


The city Hoquiam, which means "hungry for wood", may be found in Grays Harbor County, Washington State, United States. The name was given by early Indian settlers because of the river that flowed to the Grays harbour. The settlement was eventually dwelled by white settlers in the 1850s because of its wealth and natural resources in game, shellfish, and giant trees. Hoquiam was officially incorporated into a city on May 21, 1890.

Based on the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 15.6 square miles. 9.2 of the total square miles are comprised of land while the remaining 6.4 square miles is composed of water. The city has an oceanic climate. The longitude of Hoquiam is 123.888W while the latitude is 46.981N. It is located in the Pacific Standard time zone with an elevation of 20 feet.

Based on the 2000 Census Data of the city, 4,425 males and 4,672 females comprise the total population of 9,097. The city has a relatively young population wherein 22.6% of the total population are 15 years old and below. As per ethnicity and race, the whites lead the population, then by Hispanics, American Indian and Alaskan natives, multicultural races, Asians, African Americans, and by Native Hawaiians.

The city has a vast and rich culture and history. Tourists may engage in the city's historical museums, dramatic murals, and restored monuments. With the following activities such as walking along the 8th Street Landing of Rayonier's Waterfront Park, touring of the Arnold Polson Museum, shopping at the Farmer's Market, and viewing of shorebirds migrating at the Bowerman basin, visitors cannot help, but, ask for more. With the Griffits-Priday Ocean State Park and the Ocean City State Park, tourists can learn more about the heritage and life in the city.

Hoquiam is recognized for its number of festivals such as the Ethnic Heritage Festival during March, Shorebird Migration Festival in April, River Festival in July, Grays Harbor Bluegrass Festival and Push Rods Festival in August, and Loggers Playday and Harbor Heritage Festival both in September.

In March 2009, the city was named a Tree City in the United States community by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to community forestry. The recipient of the award has met the standards of the Foundation with its tree board or department, tree care ordinance, its comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. This is an excellent proof that the city is indeed safe and clean for its residents and dwellers.

In June 2010, the city coveted yet another award, this time from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), in line with its vast innovation and development. Improvements in its neighbourhoods, pedestrian walks, and lifestyle of its inhabitants brought the attention of the AWC over the 50 and above entries.

The city has indeed gone a long way from being an Indian settlement to a well developed dwelling.




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