0
Items
$0.00
Lumber Capital Of The World
Become a Member
Make a Donation
Volunteer
Attend an Event
Celebrate Our History
The Friends Of The Aberdeen Museum (Now History 98520)
The History 98520 Windows Project celebrates the America 250 Campaign by highlighting the history of Aberdeen and Grays Harbor. During 2026 we will unveil local history in a new building each month. Images here depict scenes from the lumber industry.
Photo Gallery
The History 98520 Windows Project
For decades Aberdeen was famous as the “Lumber Capital of the World”. Following the 1906 earthquake and fire, millions of board feet of lumber was shipped south to rebuild San Francisco and support the expansion of Los Angeles. During WW1, the area’s plentiful spruce was essential for airplane manufacturing. In 1924, a billion board feet of lumber was shipped from the Port of Grays Harbor. Lumber exports continued to large quantities to Japan, Australia, and other Pacific Rim nations through the late 20th century.
From the 1890’s through the 20th century the lumber industry served as the primary economic engine for Aberdeen and its neighboring communities. This thriving industry drew workers from across the country and around the world. In the early 1900s, immigrants from 34 different countries lived and worked here, creating a vibrant community. In its heyday, this rough and tumble lumber town produced more millionaires per capita than any other city in America.
