Longview, Washington

Longview Washington Established 1923

Longview’s roots can be traced back to Kansas City, Missouri, home of city founder R. A. Long, president of the Long-Bell Timber Company. Long and other company leaders committed to building a large lumber mill along the Columbia River. Because Southwest Washington did not have a ready workforce, Long decided to build a city to accommodate the estimated 14,000 workers it would take to operate the mill.

Longview was dedicated in July 1923. In February 1924, it was incorporated and a municipal government was established. Designed as a hub for business and travel routes, the town’s Civic Center features R. A. Long Park, Longview Public Library, the Monticello Hotel, and the post office and city hall

Today, Longview is a thriving community of nearly 39,000, growing in both size and diversity. The city has a strong economic base and a wide array of recreational, educational, and cultural offerings. Highlights include Lower Columbia College, the Columbia Theatre, Rose Center for the Arts, and a vibrant, historic downtown.

The City recognizes that a vibrant downtown is critical to our uniqueness as a community. Built in the 1920s, Longview has a small-town atmosphere that is very appealing to residents and visitors alike, offering a safe, comfortable and inviting gathering place with shopping, restaurants, galleries and beautiful streetscapes.

There are countless recreation and leisure activities waiting for you here in Longview. Explore some of the nooks and crannies and special events that make our community such a fun place to live, work, and play.

Attractions

Any time is a great time for adventure in Longview where you'll find a wealth of activities waiting for you.

Getting Around

Longview has a wide range of transportation modes to make getting around as easy as possible.

History

Located ninety miles from the Pacific Ocean at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, Longview is a relatively new city with a short but remarkable history. Less than 75 years ago, the area where Longview now stands was sparsely populated wilderness and rural homesteads.

Lake Sacajawea

There truly is something for everyone at the lake, so add this gem to your list of things to do in Longview, and come down for a visit. You will see why we call Lake Sacajawea the city’s crown jewel- it always sparkles with activity!

Longview Squirrel Bridges

San Francisco has its cable cars. Seattle has its Space Needle. And, Longview has its squirrel bridges. 
The original Nutty Narrows bridge is located on Olympia Way between 18th Avenue & Maple street near the Longview Library grounds. The Bruce Kamp Squirrel Bridge is located on the 1300 block of West Kessler Blvd., John Dick Squirrel Bridge is located at 2900 Nichols Blvd., OBEC Bridge is located at Louisiana and 23rd avenue, Saftey Awarness Bridge is located on the 1700 block of Kessler Blvd., Bridge Number 6 is located on Kessler Blvd. across from Lion's Island, and the Exact replica of Portland's Freemont bridge is the longest to date at 20 feet and is located on Kessler Blvd. at the end of Lake Sacajawea. Squirrel Bridge Map