History
 Foothills Historical Society & Museum
Buckley, located on the south side of the White River, is nestled in the cascade Foothills.  Originally it became known as "Perkins Prairie" in 1882.  In 1884 the Northern Pacific Railroad built a spur track from Cascade Junction to Buckley.  The settlement was renamed "White River Siding" by the railroad.  In 1888 the railroad constructed tracks through Buckley to Stampede Pass and renamed in "Buckley" after Division Superintendent J.M. Buckley.

A plat was filed for the town on May 23, 1888 by Alexander Wickersham.  The town was incorporated on May 22, 1890 and William Batholemeu became the town's first mayor.

Buckley's first school was established in 1887 on the west side where the present Wickersham school of Discovery is.  In 1892 a school was built on the site where the current White River High School still stands on 'A' Street.  By 1889 the town had grown to where they needed a newspaper so The Buckley Banner, which was to chronicle Buckley's growth for nearly a century, was started.

Because of its proximity to an excellent quality and quantity of timber to the east, the town prospered with its sawmills and shingle mills.  As the timber was depleted, farmers discovered the rich soil of the surrounding plateau land and agriculture became a primary industry.

Since Buckley is located close to the mountains today, it attracts equestrians, hikers, hunter, cyclists, etc.

The present Buckley, with 4,006 residents, offers fine restaurants, quaint shopping, professional and other services and businesses as well as a museum with local history.
 

~ Foothills Historical Society & Museum ~


P.O. Box 530 ~ 128 River Ave. ~ Buckley, WA 98321
(360) 829-1291
 Museum
Summer Hours: Sunday 1-4 p.m. ~ Wednesday & Thursday 12-4 p.m.
Winter Hours: Sunday 11-4 ~ Wednesday & Thursday 12-4 p.m.
Meetings
Second Thursday ~7:30 p.m. at Museum
For Tours, Call Jane Hanson at (360) 829-0231 or the Museum at (360) 829-1291