History and Special Events

The Earliest Occupants: Long before the white man ever laid foot in the area of what is now Toledo, the Central Indians lived here. The Cowlitz Indians were among the major tribe in the area. They used the Cowlitz River as a manner of transportation in their handmade canoes and flat bottomed boats. The Cowlitz River also provided food for the Indians with salmon and other fish.

The area was heavily wooded and there were numerous trails that the Indians, and later the white man, used to travel cross country. There were plentiful wildlife in the form of deer, elk, bear, cougar, and water fowl. Wild blackberries and huckleberries were here in large supply also.

It was the influences of the Hudson's Bay Company that brought the first white settler to the Toledo area. Simon Plomondon is recorded as the first white settler in southwest Washington around 1820. Plomondon was an employee of the HBC and started a farm on the Cowlitz Prairie known as "Cowlitz Farm". He later went independent and was instrumental in local politics.

The Cowlitz Mission started in the year 1839 by Father Francis Norbert Blanchett and was located about 3 miles north of Toledo onthe Cowlitz Prairie. Plomondon helped Blanchet in his endeavor, which was also encouraged by the HBC. The Cowlitz Mission ministered to the local Indians and white settlers.

Rumor has it that a town was planned for an area adjoining the Mission, but never materialized.

Cheese Days: 2nd Weekend in July. In June of 1919 some one hundred or so shippers to the newly organized and constructed Cowlitz Valley Cheese Association, gathered at their building to receive their first pay checks. In anticipation of the occasion, President Del Giblin, some of the board members and employees and their wives had prepared coffee and cheese sandwiches from some of the first products of the company.

Such a pleasant time was had that it was decided by the board of directors, to make the affair an annual one, and to include the public.

STP: Seattle to Portland Bike Ride Stops in Toledo The second Saturday in July.

American Legion Band
Concert in the Park
3rd Sunday in August

Blue Grass Festival
2nd Weekend in August: Come and enjoy being apart
of Blue Grass Music At Toledo High School. All weekend. Visit participating.

Threshing Bee
3rd Weekend in August

The Cowlitz Prairie Grange puts togther this nostalgic event from the past. Steam Engine Show, Car Show, Airplane & Sky Diving Show, Old Time Tractor Pull & Show & Vendors of all kinds.

Pow Wow
In October

Enjoy a wonderful time of cultural history from the Cowlitz Indians at the Old St. Mary's Center now the Cowlitz Tribal Center. Music, dance, cultural story telling, food and learning.


Source: Toledo City Hall