Montesano, County seat in Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States.
Montesano is a city in western Washington that sits where the Wynooche and Chehalis rivers meet, surrounded by forested hills. The downtown area rises along the river valley with historic buildings forming its core.
The city was founded in 1854 when Isaiah Scammon arrived from Maine and settled on the south bank of the Chehalis River. This early settlement established a bond with the river landscape that continues to shape the town.
The Festival of Lights draws residents and visitors together with parades and tours of historic homes throughout the downtown heart. These celebrations show how the community values its past and maintains connection to the river valley's heritage.
Downtown is walkable and compact, with main sights located close together along the river area, making it easy to explore on foot. The community is most active during festival season, when downtown comes alive with events and tours of historic properties.
The 1911 courthouse stands out with a copper dome and sandstone exterior that rises above the surrounding wooden buildings downtown. Interior murals inside tell the story of early exploration and agreements with Indigenous peoples of the region.
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