Kelso, County seat in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States
Kelso is a city located where three rivers converge: the Cowlitz, Coweeman, and Columbia. The town spreads across its terrain with neighborhoods and commercial areas shaped by its riverside setting and historical development.
A Scottish surveyor named Peter W. Crawford made the first land claim on the Lower Cowlitz River in 1847 and named the settlement after his hometown. This early establishment became the foundation for the town's later growth as a regional center.
The city developed around logging operations, with the Cowlitz River supporting commercial fishing activities and wood product industries throughout its development.
The town is accessible by Interstate 5 and has an Amtrak station along with a municipal airport for transportation needs. Most visitors find it easiest to navigate with a vehicle, and seasonal river conditions can affect access to riverside areas during high water periods.
In 1998 a major landslide occurred in the eastern section that brought significant changes to infrastructure and the town's layout. This natural event led to extensive reconstruction efforts and permanently reshaped the local landscape.
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