The City of Algona is a small, residential community nestled in the heart of the Green River Valley in South King County. Algona was officially incorporated on August 22nd, 1955, and, due to a misspelling by postal officials, was originally named Algoma, an Indian term for "Valley of Flowers." Algona is known for its wetlands, herons and other wildlife. The community developed from homestead settlers in the 1870s and 1880s.
Like many U.S. small towns, Algona has changed over the years. The town's charm is increasing in popularity, while it has retained a strong sense of community.
From the Mayor:
"I am very proud of the accomplishments we have made in the last few years and look forward to accomplishing more in the next few years. Algona is lucky to have hard-working, dedicated staff that share the resident-first attitude and strive to make Algona the 'Best Small City in Western Washington!' As Algona's Mayor, I work for the residents. My goal is to offer our residents the highest quality city services, which enhance and expand the benefits of living in Algona. I believe that we share the best benefits of living in Algona." -- Dave Hill, Mayor
Connect Online
City of Algona, Washington - Website
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About the Auburn Area
With a combined population of nearly 94,000, the cities of Algona, Auburn and Pacific offer plentiful and diverse opportunities. From commerce ot tourism, health care to education, these cities offer residents, business owners and visitors to countless amenities.
Straddling both King and Pierce counties, the White River Valley has been inhabited by the Muckleshoot indian Tribe for centuries. Settlers first began to develop communities within what is now the city of Algona in the 1870s.
First called "Slaughter," after an army officer was killed in a conflict, the city of Auburn was next to begin development in 1887. Pacific followed nearly 20 years later in 1906. The City of Algona was officially incorporated in 1955; Auburn in 1891; and Pacific in 1909.
The first settlers in the White River Valley took advantage of proximity to the Northern Pacific Railway depot and invested in agriculture. Much of the crop focus was hops, flower bulbs, potatoes and berries. These crops were mostly cultivated by Japanese-American and Filipino-American farmers. This rich history can be seen and experienced today at the White River Valley Museum, Mary Olson Farm and the Neely Mansion.
While agriculture is still a part of the area's economy, production and manufacturing, health care and retail are the primary businesses in the area. The Auburn School District, Boeing, MultiCare Health System, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe facilities, Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc., Oldcastle Infrastructure, Orion Industries, Icon Materials, Emerald Aire, The Outlet Collection and Waste Management (South Sound) are some of the largest employers in the Auburn Area.
Development is on the rise in the Auburn Area as well, as the population is projected to grow at a healthy rate. The diverse businesses in the area are also expanding, in anticipation of what the future will hold.
The Auburn Area is situated conveniently between Seattle and Tacoma. The Auurn Transit Center in the heart of Auburn allows for a quick Sounder train ride to either city to catch a Seahawks or Tacoma Rainiers game. Sound Transit makes transportation a cinch; come check out everything the Auburn Area has to offer!
For more information about the history of the Auburn Area, visit www.wrvmuseum.org.
