Snohomish catastrophes

Major catastrophes - befell the town in years following. Major fires in 1893 and 1911 disrupted business - 35 were destroyed in the 1911 fire alone. The region flooded during the winter of 1921 illustrating the problem created by developing the city in the low-lying floodplains. However, business continued to develop and the population increased, with logging-related industries including a sawmill and a lumber-finishing plant, being major employers.

Industrial development – occurred in town including agricultural processing plants, creameries, a milk condenser, canneries, and meatpacking. The Milwaukee Road Railroad, Great Northern, and Northern Pacific all developed rail service through Snohomish to
Everett, Seattle, and other regional centers. An interurban railway was also built between Snohomish and Everett. By 1920, the population grew to a little over 3,000 - a number that would remain relatively stable for the next 40 years.

The Depression - the "great depression" into which the country had fallen in the 1930s was not acutely felt in Snohomish, partly because the local economy was largely agricultural and family-farm based. Snohomish General Hospital was closed in the 1940s. Snohomish Airfield (Harvey Field) was started in 1945 with a government- sponsored flight program. 

Area flood control measures were funded in the 1950s and the city's Centennial was celebrated in 1959. During the 1960s, an addition was constructed on to the Carnegie Library and the Everett Boeing plant was built at Paine Field providing jobs for local populations and an increased demand for local housing. 

In 1974 - the Seattle-Snohomish Mill was totally destroyed by fire. A sawmill had operated on the property since 1900. Bob Waltz chose to rebuild the mill and help maintain the economy of Snohomish.

In 1975 - the worst flood in Snohomish history occurred. Over 300 homes were damaged and 3,500 head of cattle and other livestock died – despite rescue efforts. 

In the 1980s - Snohomish became a bedroom community for Everett and King County area workers. Although the city continued to maintain an agricultural base, the Snohomish School District became the major employer as enrollment in the public school system swelled as a result of surrounding area residential growth. The majority of the population
shifted outside city limits, with farmlands under development into small acreage homesteads and rural subdivisions. Major land value areas shifted from within the city to the outlying areas. The population climbed dramatically, topping 6,000 in incorporated areas. City government had to deal with major infrastructure improvements.

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