Morton Depot



Relocation and restoration of the Morton Depot has been a 20 year dream of the Historical Society. Built in 1910, the two story frame building is one of the last of this type of Milwaukee stations in existence today. The advent of the train opened the area to commerce and economic prosperity as well as travel. The Depot offers a focal point for Morton to capture and increase tourist activity. This has been identified in several studies including the East Lewis County Railroad Restoration Project of 2000, Highway 12, Charette and Morton Revitalization Plans of 2002. A study done by the Great American Station Foundation confirms that there is a positive economic impact on communities created through depot restoration. The depot exterior restoration project is almost completed, with the doors and windows the last things to be done. Cascadia Woodworks LLC has done the work and with the repainting the depot looks like it did in 1910. The interior restoration and the grounds around the station are next on the list and should be done in the summer of 2008. The roof has to be replaced and fundraisers are being undertaken to raise the ~$50,000 that is needed. The return of the Trains and the Restoration of the Depot encourages the business development as the traffic increases. Although Grants have been obtained, matching funds are required. The Morton Depot is owned by the Cowlitz River Valley Historical Society (501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation) and is eligible for the Historic Registry.
	Morton Depot December 2007

If you would like to help with the Restoration Project

e-mail us at michaelweb@msn.com

call us at:
     360 496-0070

write us at:
     Cowlitz River Valley Historical Society
     P.O. Box 777
     Morton, WA 98356