Centralia, Washington

The area was first settled by the Upper Chehalis people with the first non-indigenous settlers arriving in 1845.{{cite web |author1=HistoryLink staff |title=Port of Centralia is created on September 16, 1986 |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/9761 |publisher=HistoryLink |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=February 29, 2016}} In 1850, J. G. Cochran and his wife Anna were led there via the Oregon Trail by their adopted son, George Washington, a free African-American. The family feared Washington would be forced into slavery if they stayed in Missouri after the passage of the Compromise of 1850. Cochran filed a donation land claim near the Borst Home in 1852 and was able to sell his claim to Washington for $6,000 because unlike the neighboring Oregon Territory, there was no restriction against passing legal ownership of land to African Americans in the newly formed Washington Territory.{{cite web |last1=Oldham |first1=Kit |title=George and Mary Jane Washington found the town of Centerville (now Centralia) on January 8, 1875 |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/5276 |publisher=HistoryLink |access-date=March 12, 2008 |date=February 23, 2003}} The new community was connected to the Columbia and Puget Sound regions via the first major road in the area in 1857. In the 1850s and 1860s, Centralia's Borst Home, at the confluence of the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers, was the site of a toll ferry, and the halfway stopping point for stagecoaches operating between Kalama, Washington and Tacoma.{{Citation needed|reason=True, but lacks source for now|date=April 2024}}

Upon hearing of the imminent arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway (NP) in 1872, Washington and his wife, Mary Jane, filed a plat for the town of Centerville, naming the streets with a Biblical theme, and offering lots for $10 each with one lot free to buyers who built houses. Washington also donated land for a city park, a cemetery, and a Baptist church.{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Kraen |date=January 18, 2007 |title=Centralia, Washington (1875–) |url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/centralia-washington/ |publisher=BlackPast}} Responding to new settlers' concern about a town in Klickitat County with the same name, the town was renamed Centralia by 1883, as suggested by a recent settler from Centralia, Illinois, and officially incorporated on February 3, 1886. The town's population boomed, then collapsed in the Panic of 1893, when the NP went bankrupt; entire city blocks were offered for as little as $50 with no takers. Washington (despite facing racial prejudice from some newcomers) made personal loans and forgave debt to keep the town afloat until the economy stabilized; the city then boomed again based on the coal, lumber and dairying industries. When Washington died in 1905, all businesses in the town closed, and 5,000 mourners attended his funeral. The city bestowed an honor to Washington in 2023 by declaring August 15, his recognized birthday, as Centralia's Founder's Day.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Centralia City Council Finally Makes Founder's Day Official |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-city-council-finally-makes-founders-day-official,322132 |access-date=July 19, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 12, 2023}}

A large fire on June 26, 1908, part of a string of arson attempts spanning between the Twin Cities that month, decimated a block in the city's downtown district. The early morning blaze, which began at the Star Saloon, caused the loss of twelve buildings but only one person was reported injured.{{cite news |title=Block Destroyed By Fire |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1908/06-26/page-1 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=The Centralia Daily Chronicle |date=June 26, 1908 |page=1}}

File:Centralia WA June 17 1913.jpg

On November 11, 1919, the Centralia Massacre occurred. Spurred on by local lumber barons, American Legionnaires (many of whom had returned from WWI to find their jobs filled by pro-union members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)), used the Armistice Day parade to attack the IWW hall. Marching unarmed,{{Cite web|url=https://magazine.atavist.com/the-free-and-the-brave-centralia-american-legion-wesley-everest-wobblies|title = The Free and the Brave|date=August 23, 2020}} the Legionnaires broke from the parade and stormed the hall in an effort to bust union organizing efforts by what was seen to be a Bolshevik-inspired labor movement. IWW workers including recently returned WWI veteran Wesley Everest, stood their ground, engaged and killed four Legionnaires. Everest was captured, jailed and then brutally lynched. Other IWW members were also jailed.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} The event made international headlines, and coupled with similar actions in Everett, Washington and other lumber towns, stifled the American labor movement until the economic devastation of the 1930s Great Depression changed opinions about labor organizations.Wobbly War: The Centralia Story, John McClellan, {{ISBN|0917048628}}

The town's name was originally a reference to the town's location as the midway point between Tacoma and Kalama, which were originally the NP's Washington termini. This central moniker continued to have longevity when it became the midpoint between Seattle and Portland, Oregon after the constructions of Interstate 5 and its predecessor, U.S. Route 99.{{cite web |last=Ott |first=Jennifer |date=February 12, 2008 |title=Centralia — Thumbnail History |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/8487 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=February 20, 2020}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|7.56|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|7.42|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.14|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 19, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=January 12, 2012}}

Located off Interstate 5 is Plummer Lake, a small body of water caused by the excavation of glacial rock for gravel purposes beginning in 1910. The lake is named after Sydney Plummer, owner of the quarry and excavating company at the time. {{As of|2017}}, Plummer Lake is privately-owned.{{cite news |last1=Moeller |first1=Bill |title=Who Owns Centralia's Plummer Lake Anyway? |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/moeller-commentary-who-owns-centralias-plummer-lake-anyway,33356? |access-date=September 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 16, 2017}}

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Centralia has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=672154&cityname=Centralia,%20Washington,%20United%20States%20of%20America&units=|title=Centralia, Washington Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)}} Temperatures are usually quite mild, although Centralia is generally warmer in the summer and colder in the winter than locations further north along the Puget Sound.

{{Weather box

|location = Centralia, Washington, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present

|single line = Y

|collapsed = Y

|Jan record high F = 68

|Feb record high F = 75

|Mar record high F = 85

|Apr record high F = 93

|May record high F = 98

|Jun record high F = 107

|Jul record high F = 107

|Aug record high F = 103

|Sep record high F = 100

|Oct record high F = 92

|Nov record high F = 75

|Dec record high F = 73

|year record high F =

|Jan avg record high F = 57.1

|Feb avg record high F = 60.8

|Mar avg record high F = 69.3

|Apr avg record high F = 77.8

|May avg record high F = 84.8

|Jun avg record high F = 88.0

|Jul avg record high F = 93.7

|Aug avg record high F = 93.1

|Sep avg record high F = 87.6

|Oct avg record high F = 76.0

|Nov avg record high F = 62.3

|Dec avg record high F = 56.1

|year avg record high F = 96.8

|Jan high F = 46.1

|Feb high F = 49.5

|Mar high F = 54.1

|Apr high F = 59.5

|May high F = 66.6

|Jun high F = 71.1

|Jul high F = 77.5

|Aug high F = 78.2

|Sep high F = 72.6

|Oct high F = 61.1

|Nov high F = 50.7

|Dec high F = 45.0

|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 40.2

|Feb mean F = 41.7

|Mar mean F = 45.0

|Apr mean F = 49.3

|May mean F = 55.5

|Jun mean F = 60.1

|Jul mean F = 65.2

|Aug mean F = 65.5

|Sep mean F = 60.5

|Oct mean F = 51.9

|Nov mean F = 43.9

|Dec mean F = 39.4

|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 34.2

|Feb low F = 33.9

|Mar low F = 35.9

|Apr low F = 39.1

|May low F = 44.4

|Jun low F = 49.1

|Jul low F = 52.9

|Aug low F = 52.8

|Sep low F = 48.4

|Oct low F = 42.7

|Nov low F = 37.1

|Dec low F = 33.9

|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 22.8

|Feb avg record low F = 23.2

|Mar avg record low F = 27.0

|Apr avg record low F = 30.8

|May avg record low F = 35.3

|Jun avg record low F = 41.8

|Jul avg record low F = 45.9

|Aug avg record low F = 45.8

|Sep avg record low F = 39.8

|Oct avg record low F = 31.1

|Nov avg record low F = 25.2

|Dec avg record low F = 22.2

|year avg record low F = 17.3

|Jan record low F = -4

|Feb record low F = 0

|Mar record low F = 13

|Apr record low F = 20

|May record low F = 27

|Jun record low F = 31

|Jul record low F = 33

|Aug record low F = 35

|Sep record low F = 24

|Oct record low F = 20

|Nov record low F = 5

|Dec record low F = 0

|year record low F =

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 5.85

|Feb precipitation inch = 4.24

|Mar precipitation inch = 4.39

|Apr precipitation inch = 3.24

|May precipitation inch = 2.44

|Jun precipitation inch = 1.53

|Jul precipitation inch = 0.50

|Aug precipitation inch = 0.84

|Sep precipitation inch = 1.59

|Oct precipitation inch = 4.00

|Nov precipitation inch = 6.53

|Dec precipitation inch = 6.44

|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 21.7

|Feb precipitation days = 17.6

|Mar precipitation days = 19.5

|Apr precipitation days = 17.1

|May precipitation days = 12.1

|Jun precipitation days = 8.9

|Jul precipitation days = 3.9

|Aug precipitation days = 4.6

|Sep precipitation days = 8.1

|Oct precipitation days = 15.6

|Nov precipitation days = 21.1

|Dec precipitation days = 22.1

|Jan snow inch = 3.4

|Feb snow inch = 1.4

|Mar snow inch = 0.5

|Apr snow inch = 0.0

|May snow inch = 0.0

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.0

|Nov snow inch = 0.4

|Dec snow inch = 0.9

|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 1.6

|Feb snow days = 0.6

|Mar snow days = 0.3

|Apr snow days = 0.1

|May snow days = 0.0

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.0

|Nov snow days = 0.2

|Dec snow days = 0.6

|source 1 = NOAA

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00451276&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Centralia, WA

|access-date = December 31, 2022

}}

|source 2 = National Weather Service

{{cite web

|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=sew

|publisher = National Weather Service

|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Seattle

|access-date = December 31, 2022

}}

}}

{{US Census population

|1890= 2026

|1900= 1600

|1910= 7311

|1920= 7549

|1930= 8058

|1940= 7414

|1950= 8657

|1960= 8586

|1970= 10054

|1980= 11555

|1990= 12101

|2000= 14742

|2010= 16336

|2020= 18183

|estyear=2021

|estimate=18629

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=June 22, 2022|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 22, 2022}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 7, 2013}}
2020 Census

}}

As of the 2010 census,{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 19, 2012}} there were 16,336 people, 6,640 households, and 3,867 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2201.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 7,265 housing units at an average density of {{convert|979.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 85.1% White, 0.6% African American, 1.4% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 7.4% from other races, and 4.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 16.1% of the population.

There were 6,640 households, of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.7% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.8% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the city was 34.8 years. 24.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 22.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

As of the 2000 census, there were 14,742 people, 5,943 households, and 3,565 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,990.6 people per square mile (768.1/km{{sup|2}}). There were 6,510 housing units at an average density of 879.0 per square mile (339.2/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup of the city was 89.76% White, 0.44% African American, 1.25% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.30% Pacific Islander, 4.94% from other races, and 2.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 10.22% of the population.

There were 5,943 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,078, and the median income for a family was $35,684. Males had a median income of $31,595 versus $22,076 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,305. About 13.6% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.4% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Founded as a railroad town, Centralia's economy was originally dependent on such industries as railroads and timber, as well as coal and agriculture. At one time, five railroad lines crossed in Centralia, including the Union Pacific Railroad, Northern Pacific Railway, Milwaukee Road, Great Northern Railroad and a short line.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

The explosion of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, devastated the local lumber industry, as 12 million board feet of stockpiled lumber and 4 billion board feet of salable timber was damaged or destroyed.https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/msh/impact {{dead link|date=February 2017}} Unemployment surged to double digits, and the town lost most of its retail base.{{Cite web|title=MSH Impact and aftermath [USGS]|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/msh/impact.html|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=pubs.usgs.gov}}

In 1988, London Fog opened the first factory outlet store in the Northwest, choosing the location because it was the midpoint between major northwest cities. Their success spawned the region's first factory outlet center, creating a tourist shopping destination. This led in turn to the redevelopment of the vintage downtown marketplace as an antique, art and specialty store destination.{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Antoinette |title=Doing Business in ... Centralia and Chehalis |url=https://www.southsoundbiz.com/profiles/doing-business-in-centralia-and-chehalis/article_60a33720-7757-11ed-967e-13b11f905537.html |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=South Sound Business |date=December 12, 2022}}

The Port of Centralia, created in 1986 and located northwest of the city center near Fords Prairie, is a complex of industrial and mixed-use economic development in the municipality. Developed during the 1980s decline of the city's dependable lumber-based economy, the port began constructing its base of operations in 1988 and the first tenant arrived in 1990. It won an award for port of the year in 1994 and became part of a foreign-trade zone in conjunction with other local counties in western Washington. The port expanded into a second phase in 2003. {{As of|2016}}, the Port of Centralia is composed of a mix of three zones with 30 tenants that employed 800 people.

Chehalis Mints was founded in the city in 1994 and produces various mint and mint chocolate candies, with a specialty in butter mints. The company's products are sold primarily in the Pacific Northwest.{{cite news |last1=Bryan |first1=Saint |title=Mint condition: Washington state leads the nation in mint oil production |url=https://www.king5.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/evening/mint-condition-washington-state-leads-the-nation-in-mint-oil-production/281-a1e23b61-f9ff-40e5-8f48-9469dd3270fe |access-date=November 27, 2022 |work=King5 News |date=July 8, 2021}}

As extractive industries faced decline, Centralia's development refocused on freeway oriented food, lodging, retail and tourism, as well as regional shipping and warehousing facilities, leading to 60 percent growth in population since the 1980s.{{when|date=February 2020}}{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Additional development of regional distribution and transportation facilities, along with in-migration from retirees from more populated counties to the north, have helped diversify the economy, though unemployment remains stubbornly high and per-capita income well below the state average.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

On November 28, 2006, it was announced that TransAlta, the largest employer in Centralia and operator of the Centralia Coal Mine and Centralia Power Plant, would eliminate over 550 coal mining jobs; the coal mine was the last operational mine in the state. The mine, which spread over {{convert|14,000|acre|ha}}, had been owned by TransAlta since 2000. The company offered land donations to the city, as well as financial contributions to the local community to offset economic losses, in the wake of the closure.{{cite news |last1=Bernton |first1=Hal |title=State's last coal mine shuts; Centralia hit hard |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/states-last-coal-mine-shuts-centralia-hit-hard/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=December 1, 2006}} Despite fears that the city would suffer economically from the closure, there was little noticeable economic effect upon the City of Centralia as a result. Data indicated that Centralia was experiencing growth both in its light industrial areas as well as its core business district, the historic downtown Centralia.Boone, Rolf. [https://archive.today/20140913224159/http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/109419.html Unemployment claims dropped more than 300 from peak, report says]. The Olympian. May 17, 2007. The mine has since undergone a reclamation to fill, regrade, dredge water sources, and plant new trees. {{As of|2023}}, half of the reclamation project was considered complete. The site has been determined as a potential recreation area once the recovery processes are complete.{{cite news |last1=Geraldo |first1=Renata |title=Lewis County's Centralia bets on clean energy as coal economy fades |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/lewis-countys-centralia-bets-on-clean-energy-as-coal-economy-fades/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=May 30, 2023}} During the mine's opening, {{convert|160000000|t|st}} of coal were extracted and used at the plant.{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Julie |title=NPR shines national spotlight on Centralia and TransAlta |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/julie-mcdonald-npr-shines-national-spotlight-on-centralia-and-transalta,339814#google_vignette |access-date=June 10, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 6, 2024}}

The power plant, completed in two unit stages in the early 1970s and owned by TransAlta since 2000, is Washington state's last energy factory powered by coal. At its peak, it generated energy ample enough to power Los Angeles. The plant is situated on {{convert|11,000|acre|ha}} and is expected to permanently close in 2025 based on an agreement reached with the state in 2011. The first phase of the shutdown was completed in 2020. The energy produced until its closure is used by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and according to 2022 figures, 14.5% of PSE's electric load came from the TransAlta coal plant, enough to supply power to 300,000 homes. Future plans include the operating of several green energy facilities, including generating power via hydrogen and fusion, and the decommissioning of the Centralia Coal Mine is expected to incorporate renewable energy machinery as the coal plant closes.

During the closures, TransAlta created a $20 million fund for training and educational work programs for remaining employees of the plant. Part of a larger Centralia Coal Transition Grants initiative, other grants include millions for energy efficiency and technology for nearby communities and schools. The land at the site has slowly been reclaimed for public and commercial use, including the planting of trees and maintaining wetland areas.

Centralia has hosted the annual Hub City Car Show since the early 2000s. The one-day event, usually held in late summer, is held in the downtown district, shutting down the main artery through the historic center of the city.{{cite news |last1=Spurr |first1=Kyle |title=Classic Cars to Invade Downtown Centralia |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/classic-cars-to-invade-downtown-centralia,95477 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 21, 2013}}{{cite news |last1=Warn |first1=Daniel |title=Hub City Car Show Coming Back to Downtown Centralia |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/hub-city-car-show-coming-back-to-downtown-centralia,291089 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 9, 2022}}

The Centralia Campout is an annual, week-long gathering of folk musicians that takes place between the second and third weekends in August. The campout centers around American Old-time music, played in jam circles round the clock. Attendees engage in daily dances, workshops, and musical fellowship.{{cite news |last1=Leonard |first1=Tara |title=This Week's Arts and Entertainment Guide / Coming Up |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/this-weeks-arts-and-entertainment-guide-coming-up,163239? |access-date=August 5, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 11, 2011}}

The Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade has been an annual winter holiday event since 2009. Hosted by the Centralia Downtown Association in early December, the parade begins at Centralia College and traverses through the core downtown district. The festival nominates a local resident, recognized for their contributions to the community, as a Grand marshal.{{cite news |last1=Nailon |first1=Jordan |title=10th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade Ready to Roll |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/10th-annual-lighted-christmas-parade-ready-to-roll,6319? |access-date=November 29, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 11, 2019}}{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Fourteenth annual Lighted Tractor Parade set for Dec. 9 in Centralia |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/fourteenth-annual-lighted-tractor-parade-set-for-dec-9-in-centralia,329755 |access-date=November 29, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 22, 2023}}

Girls Night Out is a bi-annual business and shopping event. Begun in 2008, the event supports the downtown economy while raising funds for local charities.{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Emily |title=35th Girls Night Out event a success in downtown Centralia |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/35th-girls-night-out-event-a-success-in-downtown-centralia,363153 |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 7, 2024}}

File:Centralia Timberland Library.jpg

File:Centralia Union Depot, interior.jpg

The Carnegie Library{{cite web|url=http://www.trlib.org/Locations/Pages/LibraryInformation.aspx?lib=ce|title=www.trl.org|access-date=January 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006225154/http://www.trlib.org/Locations/Pages/LibraryInformation.aspx?lib=ce|archive-date=October 6, 2013|url-status=dead}} is located in Washington Park and was originally built in 1913 followed by a remodel in 1977–78. The library is now part of the Timberland Regional Library system.{{Cite web |title=Centralia Timberland Library {{!}} Timberland Regional Library |url=https://www.trl.org/locations/centralia |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=www.trl.org}}

Centralia Union Depot was built in 1912 and features red brick architecture, vintage oak benches, and internal and external woodworking throughout. The renovated depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is currently served by Amtrak.{{cite news |author1=Moira Macdonald |author2=Bethany Jean Clement |title=A charming Centralia day trip with our film and food critics |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/a-charming-centralia-day-trip-with-our-movie-and-food-critics/ |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=May 21, 2024}}

Located in Fort Borst Park are the Fort Borst blockhouse and the Borst Home. The blockhouse is a log structure that was built in 1856 and was used as grain storage during local wars with Native Americans. Originally constructed near the confluence of the Chehalis and Skookumchuck rivers, the building was moved twice, in 1915 due to an alteration of the Chehalis River's course, and then in 1922 to its present-day site in the park. Joseph Borst, an Oregon Trail migrant, purchased the blockhouse from the U.S. government in 1857 and his family would use the building as a residence until he built the Borst Home next to the structure in 1864. The house was constructed near a toll ferry crossing that existed at the time and the home site contains a replicated one-room schoolhouse and a church. The Borst Home, but not the blockhouse, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Julie |title=Borst Blockhouse Repairs Planned; IWW Plaque Before Council |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/julie-mcdonald-commentary-borst-blockhouse-repairs-planned-iww-plaque-before-council,301022 |access-date=August 3, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 3, 2022}}

Centralia is host to various other NRHP sites including the George E. Birge House, the Hubbard Bungalow, and the Wesley Everest Gravesite. The NRHP-listed Centralia Downtown Historic District is home to McMenamin's Olympic Club Hotel & Theater{{cite web|url=http://best.king5.com/olympic-club/biz/580704|title=Best of Western Washington|last=TEGNA|access-date=January 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713152258/http://best.king5.com/olympic-club/biz/580704|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=dead}} a registered historic hotel and restaurant that opened in 1908.

Additional buildings of note include the one-room Salzer Valley Schoolhouse. Situated southeast of the city on a donated land claim from the Salzer family, it was built in 1894 and existed as school until 1944.{{cite news |title=Salzer Valley folk cherish old school |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-chronicle-jul-10-1999-p-1/ |access-date=April 1, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 10, 1999 |page=1}}{{cite news |last1=McClurg |first1=Dian |title=Life Is a Sweet Adventure for the Bee Team |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/life-is-a-sweet-adventure-for-the-bee-team,187749? |access-date=April 1, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 24, 2009}}

The city was once home to the Twin City Drive-In, located immediately north of the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds.{{cite news |last1=MacCraken |first1=Gordon |title=Don't horse around with low lying ground |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/dont-horse-aroundwith-low-lying-ground,220032? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 19, 2006}} It began in 1933 as a single-screen outdoor theater, with a reopening in 1961 after a transfer of ownership.{{cite news |last1=Fund |first1=Edna |title=Grand Opening Held for Drive-In |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/today-in-history-couple-arrested-for-winlock-arson-in-1911,166945? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 24, 2011}} During the 1950s, the outdoor screens were known locally to show risque movies, such as Baby Doll and the nudist film, Garden of Eden.{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Shocking! Shocking! |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/excitement-kills-vader-woman-during-fire,211771? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 5, 2007}}{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Nudists at drive-in |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/coal-speculator-buys-up-hanaford-farms-in-1906,216184? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 1, 2006}} The drive-in had a train ride for children on the property; the ride was purchased by a local enthusiast and rebuilt for use at the 2015 fair.{{cite news |last1=Nailon |first1=Jordan |title=King Ag Museum Dedicated to Preserving Machines, Memories |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/king-ag-museum-dedicated-to-preserving-machines-memories,54649? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 26, 2016}} The premises installed a second screen but eventually the venue fell into disuse and the grounds left to decay. In 2002, a prior resident of Chehalis purchased the neon entrance sign to the drive-in with plans to display it as a highway memorial to graduates from the area; he would donate the sign later to an agriculture museum located in Centralia.{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Rusted Neon Glory |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/african-professor-comes-to-centralia-in-2006,212567? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 7, 2007}}{{cite web |last1=King |first1=David |title=King Ag Museum - Twin City Drive-In |url=https://kingagmuseum.com/new-tractors/ |website=King Agriculture Museum |access-date=November 28, 2023 |date=March 11, 2020}} Damages from windstorms decimated the screens and a fire in 2023, declared to be most likely arson, burned down the remaining building on the property, the ticket booth that also housed the projectors.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Fire destroys ticket booth at closed drive-in theater |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/fire-destroys-ticket-booth-at-closed-drive-in-theater,248020? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 2, 2003}}{{cite web |title=Twin City Drive-In - Photo Gallery |url=https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/43161/photos |website=Cinema Treasures |access-date=November 28, 2023}} {{As of|2023}}, the theater grounds are mostly bereft of any immediately visible remnants and are covered in brush.{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Outdoor cinema at SWW Fairgrounds draws rave reviews |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/outdoor-cinema-at-sww-fairgrounds-draws-rave-reviews,229061? |access-date=November 28, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 1, 2005}}{{cite web |title=Twin City Drive-In |url=https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/43161 |website=Cinema Treasures |access-date=November 28, 2023}}

Seattle-based rock band Harvey Danger used Centralia as a metaphor in its song "Moral Centralia," found on the 2005 album Little by Little.

Murals are found throughout historic downtown Centralia. Examples include murals depicting the founder of Centralia (Centerville) named George Washington, Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show and an abstract mural depicting the 1919 Armistice Day Centralia Massacre, also known as the Wobbly War.

Centralia is part of the ARTrails of Southwest Washington initiative. The cooperative, begun in 2003, showcases local artists, art studios and galleries throughout the region, and holds an annual autumnal studio tour that incorporates events in smaller towns within Lewis County.{{cite news |last1=Emerson |first1=Amy |title=Winlock man working to promote local art |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-man-working-to-promote-local-art,251169? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 9, 2003}}{{cite news |last1=Frazier |first1=Karen |title=ARTrails Seeks to Make Lewis County an Art Destination |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/artrails-seeks-to-make-lewis-county-an-art-destination,94111? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 24, 2013}} ARTrails opened a gallery for its members in the city in 2015{{cite news |last1=Tomtas |first1=Justuna |title=ARTrails Opens Gallery in Downtown Centralia |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/artrails-opens-gallery-in-downtown-centralia,66948? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 27, 2015}} and the Centralia Train Depot is used as the nexus of the tour.{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Last Call for ARTrails Studio Tour This Weekend Showcasing Lewis County Artists |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/last-call-for-artrails-studio-tour-this-weekend-showcasing-lewis-county-artists,300263? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 21, 2022}}

The city has been home to the Evergreen Playhouse since 1959. Beginning as a troupe performance at a ballroom of the local historic Lewis and Clark Building, it raised funds by selling $5 non-redeemable stock to patrons for its first production, Sabrina Fair.{{cite news |last1=McClurg |first1=Dian |title=Evergreen Playhouse Turns 50 |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/evergreen-playhouse-turns-50,182197? |access-date=December 7, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 14, 2010}} The organization eventually purchased its own theater in 1972 for $16,000.{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Evergreen Celebrates 60: Saturday Event Includes Tours, Revues and Food Trucks |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/evergreen-celebrates-60-saturday-event-includes-tours-revues-and-food-trucks,7636? |access-date=December 6, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 18, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Moeller |first1=Bill |title=A Not-So Brief History of Evergreen Playhouse's Ancient Seats |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/bill-moeller-a-not-so-brief-history-of-evergreen-playhouses-ancient-seats,9762? |access-date=December 6, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 25, 2019}} During the Covid-19 pandemic, the 130-seat playhouse underwent a renovation, including removing the original seating, but saved three of the original wood-backed chairs to be used in a display.{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Celene |title=Evergreen Playhouse Installs New Seats, Plans for Live Performances |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/evergreen-playhouse-installs-new-seats-plans-for-live-performances,259523? |access-date=December 6, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 17, 2021}} {{As of|2023}}, the Evergreen Playhouse, a non-profit, volunteer-run theater,{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle Editorial Board |title=Marking Time: Evergreen Turns 50; Mohney 75 |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/marking-time-evergreen-turns-50-mohney-75,182188? |access-date=December 6, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 15, 2010}} has achieved to operate without a financial loss during its entirety, and has remained at the same location near the downtown district on Center Street.

Centralia once hosted a minor league baseball team in the early 20th century. The team moniker varied, going under the names of Midgets, Pets, and Railroaders. The ballclub won the 1911 Washington State League championship. Similar to the Chehalis teams, the Centralia team folded in 1912, and the city has not had an official minor league team since. The team played its home games at Riverside Park.{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball |editor1-first=Lloyd |editor1-last=Johnson |editor2-first=Miles |editor2-last=Wolff |edition=Third |publisher=Baseball America |date=2007 |isbn=978-1932391176}}

A bicycle event for local residents in the Twin Cities, known as the Centralia to Chehalis Bike Ride, was held continuously from the late 20th century into the 3rd millennium. The "C to C" route meandered from George Washington Park, to around the Chehalis–Centralia Airport, through residential neighborhoods, and finishing at the Recreation Park Complex in Chehalis.{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Pedal pushers bridge cities in C to C |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2005/06-06/page-7 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 6, 2005 |pages=A1–A7}}

{{main|Parks and recreation in Centralia, Washington}}

File:George Washington Park 2023 01.jpg

The Centralia parks system is classified into distinct areas categorized as natural areas or open space corridors, neighborhood parks, or community parks.{{cite web |title=Centralia Parks and Recreation Master Plan |url=https://www.cityofcentralia.com/DocumentCenter/View/699/Centralia-Parks-Plan-Adopted-6-10-2014 |publisher=City of Centralia |access-date=April 22, 2024 |pages= 23–25 |date=June 10, 2014}} Recreational areas include sports related ballfields or water parks, and the city designates certain locations, such as buildings and other open spaces, as special facilities.{{cite web |title=Centralia's Park Plan |url=https://www.cityofcentralia.com/DocumentCenter/View/3136/Parks-Board-Agenda-for-January-8-2024 |publisher=Centralia Parks and Recreation Department |access-date=April 22, 2024 |pages=23, 44–47 |date=March 2024 |quote=PDF combined with city board meeting agenda and minutes; scroll down to Park Plan}}

George Washington Park, in Centralia's downtown district, is home to the Centralia Timberland Library. The park contains the statue, The Sentinel, and the Freedom Walk War Memorial, both honoring Centralia soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The statue is also a remembrance to the deaths of American Legion members that occurred during the city's 1919 Armistice Day Riot. It was placed in 1924 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.{{cite web |title=NRHP - The Sentinel |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/91001782 |website=NPGallery Digital Asset Management System |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=August 3, 2023}} A bronze plaque honoring the deaths of members of the IWW "Wobblies" during the Centralia Tragedy was installed next to the statue in 2023.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Centralia Tragedy: After decades-long fight, IWW gets plaque for union victims |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-tragedy-after-decades-long-fight-iww-gets-plaque-for-union-victims,329250 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 13, 2023}} The Freedom Walk was built in 1993 and presents the individual names of veterans who perished in military combat since the First World War.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Freedom Walk and Sentinel Statue Restoration Complete; Twin Cities Memorial Day Ceremonies Set for Monday |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/freedom-walk-and-sentinel-statue-restoration-complete-twin-cities-memorial-day-ceremonies-set-for,319967 |access-date=July 19, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 26, 2023}}

A preserve encompassing over {{convert|80|acre|ha}}, known as the Seminary Hill Natural Area, was once the home of a seminary. The grounds contains over two miles of trails.{{cite news |author1=The Seattle Times staff |title=Seminary Hill Natural Area |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/seminary-hill-natural-area/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=September 28, 2006}}{{cite news |last1=Holten |first1=Kate |title=Tranquil trail a short drive from downtown Centralia |url=https://tdn.com/lifestyles/tranquil-trails-a-short-drive-from-downtown-centralia/article_206f5559-90f7-5e0f-b67f-c0cf0ace056a.html |access-date=February 29, 2024 |work=The Daily News (Longview, Washington) |date=July 18, 2019}}

Along the Skookumchuck River, near Hayes Lake in the shopping district, lies the {{convert|4.5|acre|ha|adj=mid}} Riverside Park. The land, originally developed by a local rotary club, was donated to the city in 1983. The park contains a {{convert|44,000|sqft|sqm|2}} skate park and a covered playground.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Riverside Park Playground Now Covered Thanks to Rotary Club |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/riverside-park-playground-now-covered-thanks-to-rotary-club,318913 |access-date=July 19, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 8, 2023}} The Fort Borst blockhouse was temporarily relocated to the site in the late 1910s.{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Julie |title=White Settlers Flee to Blockhouses During Indian Wars |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/julie-mcdonald-commentary-white-settlers-flee-to-blockhouses-during-indian-wars,300549? |access-date=August 21, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 26, 2022}}

A sports complex known as Bob Peters Field is situated at the Centralia College campus. Named after a long-serving athletic director at the school, the {{convert|4.0|acre|ha|adj=mid}} site hosts fields for baseball, softball, and soccer. It was completed in 2023 and was built, in part, by using over $3 million of student fees.{{cite news |last1=Nance |first1=Jesse |title=Centralia College Honors Campus Stalwart With Bob Peters Field |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-college-honors-campus-stalwart-with-bob-peters-field,319743 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 23, 2023}}

A community pool, known as the Veteran's Memorial Pearl Street Pool, was built in the 1950s in Centralia's downtown district,{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Centralia Council Moves to Let Voters Decide Pearl Street Pool's Fate |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-council-moves-to-let-voters-decide-pearl-street-pools-fate,304874 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 7, 2023}} it once contained a bathhouse.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Pearl Street Pool Permanently Closed; Council Rescinds Ballot Measure Decision After Apparent School Levy Failure |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/pearl-street-pool-permanently-closed-council-rescinds-ballot-measure-decision-after-apparent,314081 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 15, 2023}} The city owned and oversaw operations of the facility until the 1980s when it was transferred to a local nonprofit. Centralia would regain possession of the pool in 2008 but closed it in 2011 due to a combination of expensive repairs and maintenance, lack of funds, and a decrease in staffing. Since its 2011 cessation, various city and community groups have made improvements to the recreation parcel by adding a playground and spray park.{{cite news |title='It's Been A Long Time Coming:' Pearl Street Memorial Plaza Celebrated |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/its-been-a-long-time-coming-pearl-street-memorial-plaza-celebrated,26613 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 28, 2017}} Unable to cover approximately $5 million renovation and rebuild costs, the city council, in 2023, decided to permanently cease operations at the pool. The city would fill the pool with dirt, for liability and injury concerns, months later.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=City of Centralia to Fill in Pearl Street Pool to Avoid Liability |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/city-of-centralia-to-fill-in-pearl-street-pool-to-avoid-liability,320663 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 9, 2023}} A second community pool, known as the Centralia Community Pool, was created by a bond passed in the 1970s and is run under a joint contract between the city, the school district, and a local fitness company. Open to all residents, children and school activities are given priority at the facility.{{cite news |last1=Zylstra |first1=Matthew |title=Centralia Community Pool Supporters Meet to Discuss How to Advocate Amid Possible Cuts After School Levy Failure |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-community-pool-supporters-meet-to-discuss-how-to-advocate-amid-possible-cuts-after-school,319056 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 10, 2023}}

Centralia's largest park is Fort Borst Park located at the junction of the Chehalis and Skookumchuck rivers. The {{convert|101.0|acre|ha|adj=on}} park provides {{convert|2.1|mi}} of paved trails in a forested setting. The site includes a dog park and a large picnic area. Visitors can fish from the river banks or access the waters via a boat launch, or at the park's Borst Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout.{{cite news |last1=Vinh |first1=Tan |title=A Walk in the Park: Centralia's Fort Borst popular for picnics and play |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/a-walk-in-the-park-centraliarsquos-fort-borst-popular-for-picnics-and-play/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=February 20, 2014}}

The park contains the original Borst Home, a reproduced schoolhouse, and a replicated pioneer church from the 1860s that was completed in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Rubin |first1=Will |title=Pioneer Church Replica Taking Shape in Fort Borst Park |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/pioneer-church-replica-taking-shape-in-fort-borst-park,11959? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 8, 2019}}{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Replica Pioneer Church Opens at Borst Home Museum |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/replica-pioneer-church-opens-at-borst-home-museum,273036? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 20, 2021}} Surrounding the homestead is the Borst Park Arboretum, created in 1960. The arboretum contains the Borst family cemetery , almost 200 trees and a large number of rhododendrons.{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Uncovering a Hidden Gem: Fort Borst Park Master Gardener Demonstration Garden |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/uncovering-a-hidden-gem-fort-borst-park-master-gardener-demonstration-garden,1720 |access-date=November 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 24, 2020}} The park hosts an annual Christmas-themed "Fort Borst Park Drive-Through Lights" that includes a food drive and also raises funds for the park department.{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Celene |title=In a Year of Cancellations and Upheaval, Borst Park Christmas Lights Shined Bright |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/in-a-year-of-cancellations-and-upheaval-borst-park-christmas-lights-shined-bright,260308? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 11, 2021}}

Located within Fort Borst Park is Centralia's NW Sports Hub. Officially opened in 2014, the {{convert|76,500|sqft|sqm|2}} complex is owned by a various group of Centralia government bodies and businesses. The hub contains enclosed buildings that house numerous volleyball and basketball courts and fields for indoor baseball and soccer. An attached outdoor component encompasses a mixture of previously built Little League and adult baseball fields, tennis courts, additional soccer fields, and the Centralia High School track stadium that can seat 3,500 people. In 2023, the outdoor fields received new lighting and turf, with special attention to Wheeler Field, based on funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Centralia City Council reallocates $250,000 for new Wheeler Field lighting before baseball season |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-city-council-reallocates-250000-for-new-wheeler-field-lighting-before-baseball-season,328077 |access-date=November 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 25, 2023}} The use of the complex is given first priority to the community over events held by private entities{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Centralia City Council Decides to Turf Field Number Three, Wheeler Field at Borst Park |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-city-council-decides-to-turf-field-number-three-wheeler-field-at-borst-park,320986? |access-date=July 24, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 16, 2023 |quote=While Wheeler Field is used by the school district as well, Smith Johnston (Centralia Mayor) added the priority is to keep it a community field first. She wanted community use of the field prioritized over any private industry events. “I understand the value of the tournaments for our city and I support them, but I do believe our parks are a community resource that the community needs to have priority over,” Smith Johnston said.}} but the sports compound hosts various tournaments for high school sports, competitions for the Greater Seattle League, and planned college scouting events for local athletes.{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Julie |title=NW Sports Hub Doing Its Part to Stimulate Local Economy |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/julie-mcdonald-commentary-nw-sports-hub-doing-its-part-to-stimulate-local-economy,306699 |access-date=July 20, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 9, 2023}}

Centralia is a non-charter code city with a council–manager form of government. The City Council consists of seven members with positions one through three being at-large positions.

Although slightly less so than Lewis County as a whole, Centralia is conservative and leans Republican.

Students and their education are overseen by the Centralia School District.

{{main|Centralia College}}

Centralia College is the oldest continuously operating junior college in the state of Washington, and was founded on September 14, 1925.{{cite web|url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8507|title=Centralia College holds its first day of classes on September 14, 1925. |work=HistoryLink}}

File:Centralia College Panorama.jpg

Centralia's leading newspaper is The Chronicle, ranked seventeenth in the state based on weekday circulation,{{cite web |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/0532/050810_news_newspapers.php |title=Knight Ridder Rides in (Seattle Weekly) |website=www.seattleweekly.com |access-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316001149/http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/0532/050810_news_newspapers.php |archive-date=March 16, 2006 |url-status=dead}} and serves most of Lewis County. There are also several community-based newspapers that are published bi-weekly, such as The Lewis County News and The East County Journal.

The Centralia area is served by two AM radio stations, KELA - 1470 AM and KITI - 1420 AM. The FM station, KCED - 91.3 FM operates from within the city. Radio broadcasts are accessible from nearby Chehalis stations KMNT - 104.3 FM and KACS - 90.5 FM. Centralia is able to pick up Winlock station KITI-FM - 95.1 FM as well as the transmission of KZTM - 102.9 FM from Olympia.

Centralia is served by the Chehalis–Centralia Airport. The city, beginning in 1961, was once a co-owner of the airfield{{cite news |last1=Wayt |first1=Bob |title=Twin Cities airport 'prettiest' - Airport has had its controversial issues |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1976/07-03/page-22 |access-date=July 17, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=July 3, 1976 |page=E}} but withdrew from the joint operating agreement in 2004 due to concerns over contract violations, liability, and cost-benefits.{{cite news |last1=McClurg |first1=Dian |title=Airport controversy continues |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/airport-controversy-continues,239454? |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 14, 2004}}{{cite news |last1=Spurr |first1=Kyle |title=Chehalis-Centralia Airport Ownership in Question |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-centralia-airport-ownership-in-question,93112 |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 11, 2013}} Centralia was once home to the Centralia Municipal Air Field located near Fort Borst Park. Opened in August 1927 to 10,000 spectators and an aerial performance, the airport quietly folded by the mid-1930s reportedly due to hardships caused by the Great Depression.{{cite news |last1=Wayt |first1=Bob |title=Centralia once had airfield |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1977/12-03/page-34 |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 3, 1977 |page=W}}

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Centralia station, stopping at the town's renovated 1912 railroad depot. Amtrak train 11, the southbound Coast Starlight, is scheduled to depart Centralia at 11:45am with service to Kelso-Longview, Portland, Sacramento, Emeryville, California (with bus connection to San Francisco), and Los Angeles. Amtrak train 14, the northbound Coast Starlight, is scheduled to depart Centralia at 5:57pm daily with service to Olympia-Lacey, Tacoma and Seattle. Amtrak Cascades trains, operating as far north as Vancouver, British Columbia and as far south as Eugene, Oregon, serve Centralia several times daily in both directions. BNSF trains in Centralia's downtown rail yard and on the mainline serve local and regional shippers, but can affect the timeliness of Amtrak service and are a noisy reminder of the days of the town's heyday as the crossroads of four major railroads (Union Pacific, Milwaukee Road, Great Northern and Northern Pacific).

Bus service is provided by Lewis County Transit. Routes originating in Centralia serve Olympia, Chehalis, Castle Rock, and Kelso, among other locations.{{cite web |title=Bus Routes |url=https://lewiscountytransit.org/bus-routes/ |website=Lewis County Transit |date=December 31, 2023}}

Centralia is situated alongside I-5, and it is located almost exactly halfway between Portland and Seattle on this highway. Its primary exit is at mile marker 82, with mile 0 being the Portland city limits and mile 164 being near Downtown Seattle.{{cite web |title=Hayden Island Neighborhood Network to Starbucks Reserve Roastery |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Hayden+Island,+Portland,+OR/Starbucks+Reserve+Roastery,+1124+Pike+St,+Seattle,+WA+98101/@46.6081564,-123.9558411,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495a8923145fd47:0x249dc2c7b630a248!2m2!1d-122.681142!2d45.6135715!1m5!1m1!1s0x54906acdccf44db1:0x6da0c1f2d7a6736e!2m2!1d-122.32809!2d47.6140443!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDUwNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D |website=Hayden Island Neighborhood Network to Starbucks Reserve Roastery |language=en}} U.S. Route 12 passes through Centralia while it is concurrent with I-5. Washington State Route 507 originates in Centralia, terminating in Pierce County via Tenino and Yelm.

The first telephone operations in Centralia began in 1891 when the city was connected to the Sunset Telephone and Telegraph Company (STTC) located on Tower Avenue. The first customer was a neighboring pair of attorneys. The STTC recorded 23 subscribers the following year, falling to only six in 1893, but began to slowly rebound at the turn of the century. By 1910, over 500 customers subscribed to the line, serving approximately 1,000 customers in the Twin Cities when the STTC was renamed in 1916 as the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company . By the mid-1960s, the area was served by Pacific Northwest Bell and had a subscriber list of over 12,000 between Centralia and Chehalis.{{cite news |title=Telephone Services Came Early - Chehalis Phones Busy |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1966/10-10/page-36 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=October 10, 1966 |page=A22}}

{{As of|2023}}, Centralia Public Works was granted $85,000 to fund searches for lead pipes in the city, the only water utility in Washington state to accept monies from a $63 million federal bill passed in 2021 meant to help find and replace lead piping. In 2018, the city investigated the use of lead pipes in the municipal water system, specifically for homes built from the 1920s through the 1940s. The city has found only five pigtail connections made of lead since the late 1970s.{{cite news |last1=Withycombe |first1=Claire |title=WA struggles to hand out federal cash to find and replace lead pipes |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-struggles-to-hand-out-federal-cash-to-find-and-replace-lead-pipes/ |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=September 9, 2023}}

Centralia built a wastewater treatment facility beginning in 2001 that is located on {{convert|300|acre|ha}} in the Ford's Prairie neighborhood near the Discovery Trail. Begun from a Washington Department of Ecology loan that eventually cost almost $27 million, the facility replaced an at-capacity treatment plant built in 1951 near Mellen Street. {{As of|2024}}, the facility processes up to {{convert|10,500,000|USgal}} of wastewater per day.{{cite news |title=Centralia wastewater treatment plant loan fully paid off 21 years later |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-wastewater-treatment-plant-loan-fully-paid-off-21-years-later,372889 |access-date=January 6, 2025 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 31, 2024}}

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• Charlie Albright, pianist{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=World-Renowned Pianist, Centralia Native Charlie Albright to Return for Holiday Performance at Centralia College |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/world-renowned-pianist-centralia-native-charlie-albright-to-return-for-holiday-performance-at,303405? |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 9, 2022}}
• Calvin Armstrong, American football player
• Ann Boleyn, singer{{cite news |last1=Caporale |first1=Micco |title=This Heavy Metal Singer Became a Lawyer Fighting Sexism in Music |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/this-heavy-metal-singer-became-a-lawyer-fighting-sexism-in-music/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=Vice News |date=April 9, 2018}}
• Bob Coluccio, baseball player
• Merce Cunningham, modern dancer{{cite news |last1=Lenihan |first1=Jean |title=Centralia-born dancemaker Merce Cunningham dies |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/centralia-born-dancemaker-merce-cunningham-dies/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=July 27, 2009}}
• Noah Gundersen, singer{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Gundersens: Talented Siblings Make Their Way in Music |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/gundersens-talented-siblings-make-their-way-in-music,153991 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 3, 2011}}
• Sandy Marth Hill, American television journalist{{cite news |last1=Stanford |first1=Candice |title=There She Is... Miss Lewis County |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/there-she-is-miss-lewis-county,143282? |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 12, 2012}}
• Soren Johnson, video game designer
• James Kelsey, sculptor
• Craig McCaw, entrepreneur
• Angela Meade, operatic soprano{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Angela Meade to Perform at Astoria Music Festival |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/angela-meade-to-perform-at-astoria-music-festival,28872? |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 2, 2017}}
• C. D. Moore, U.S. Air Force general
• Patricia Anne Morton, first woman to serve as a Diplomatic Security special agent{{cite web|date=November 8, 2019|title=Patricia Anne Morton May 30 1935 October 16 2019 (age 84), death notice, USA|url=https://usobit.com/obituaries-2019/11/patricia-anne-morton-may-30-1935-october-16-2019-age-84/|access-date=January 9, 2020|website=United States Obituary Notice}}
• Lyle Overbay, former Major League Baseball player
• Brock Peterson, former Major League Baseball player
• Tavita Pritchard, American football coach
• Ford Rainey, actor{{cite news |title=Face is familiar; name's not |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/walla-walla/walla-walla-union-bulletin/1982/06-13/page-16 |access-date=December 10, 2024 |work=Walla Walla Union-Bulletin |agency=Associated Press |date=June 13, 1982 |page=16}}
• Jimmy Ritchey, country music songwriter and record producer{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Celene |title=Jimmy Ritchey Selected as Centralia College Distinguished Alumnus |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/jimmy-ritchey-selected-as-centralia-college-distinguished-alumnus,4089? |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 22, 2020}}
• Detlef Schrempf, NBA player
• Elmer Smith, lawyer connected to the Centralia Tragedy{{cite web |last1=Hinchliff |first1=Catherine |title=Smith, Elmer (1888-1932) |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/9011 |publisher=HistoryLink |access-date=March 13, 2025 |date=May 15, 2009}}
• Skyler Wheeler, Iowa state representative

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• Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority

{{reflist}}

{{Wikivoyage|Centralia (Washington)}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website|http://www.cityofcentralia.com/}}
• [https://centraliadowntownfestivals.com/ Centralis Downtown Festivals Association]

{{Lewis County, Washington}}

{{Washington}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Cities in Washington (state)

Category:Cities in Lewis County, Washington

Category:Industrial Workers of the World in Washington (state)

Category:Populated places established in 1852

Category:Superfund sites in Washington (state)

Category:Micropolitan areas of Washington (state)

Category:1852 establishments in Oregon Territory

Category:Coal towns