Kalama, Washington is located on the aboriginal lands of the Cowlitz Indians. In 1871, it became the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railway. The railway built a dock, a sawmill, a car shop, a roundhouse, hotels, a hospital, and housing. The Interpretive Center at the Port of Kalama has several displays about the community’s history.
Covered Wagon
Covered wagons brought many of the non-Indian settlers into Kalama. The journey was about 2,000 miles and a family needed a wagon that could carry more than a 1,000 pounds of food packed into a 4 foot by 10 foot area. It had a top speed of about 2 miles per hour.
Household goods
On display were some of the household goods that would be packed in the wagon.
1929 Ford Model AA
The transmission, a four-speed manual—is geared lower than the Model A Ford to provide more power to move a loaded truck.
More Museums
Museums 101: The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center (photo diary)
Montana Natural History Center: Overview (photo diary)
Museums 101: Stevensville Historical Museum (photo diary)
Museums 101: An Overview of the Orkney Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Moses Lake Museum (photo diary)
Museums 101: The Sacajawea Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Fort Dalles Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Hagerman Valley Historical Museum (Photo Diary)