Lake Stevens http://www.lakestevens.org

Chamber of Commerce:  http://www.lschamber.org

It is believed that Governor Isaac I. Stevens was first settled in 1886 on a 160-acre homestead along the east shore. By 1890 the first town in the area, “Ferry,” was established.  Its name was later changed to “Hartford,” and it served as the main link from the famed Monte Cristo timber and mining resources to the world.

In 1906 a railroad spur that linked Hartford with Lake Stevens spurred the opening of the “world’s largest mill”, The Rucker Mill.  It burned, was partially rebuilt and burned a second time in 1925 which led to its dismantling and Lake Stevens lost the very industry which caused it’s founding. However, by then a flourishing town was established and continued under its own momentum.

From the 1920’s to the 50’s Lake Stevens was primarily a resort community, with many public and private resort beaches scattered around the shore. In 1960 Lake Stevens incorporated as a City with a population on 900.  Soon, its popularity and natural beauty, combined with changing commuter habits, attracted more and more residents, changing its character to that of a suburban community. By 2000 the City had grown to a population of 6,361 in approximately 1.8 square miles. The lake remains the focal point of the greater Lake Stevens community for recreation and as a symbol of our need to provide for a sustainable existence that will protect our natural environment.