Willapa Valley, Washington

Willapa Valley is the location of the historic residential and commercial centers of Menlo, Lebam and Frances, the rural community of Brooklyn, and East Raymond.

The area was first settled in 1852 by Samuel Woodard who took a donation land claim of 640 acres. For many years, this location was known as Woodard's Landing and served as the port for the large boats that came in from Portland to discharge cargo and mail. When logging began in the 1870s, the area began to grow. The name was changed to Willapa in 1884. The numerous waterways throughout the planning area were the only means of transportation for mail and cargo.

The community of Willapa was the hub of the Willapa Valley. Boats came in three times a week to discharge cargo, mail, and passengers, and two large warehouses held supplies for the valley. Sidewalks were constructed along the main streets and roads were planked where needed. As Willapa boomed, houses sprung up everywhere, and by 1887 the community provided hotels, drug stores, a real estate office, and a barbershop. By 1900, the business center has moved to South Bend and Raymond. Today, the historic mixed-use districts of Menlo, Lebam, Frances, and Brooklyn still provide residents with a pleasant place to live.