Editing Morton, Washington

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{short description|City in Washington, United States}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Morton
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|motto                    = 
|image_skyline            = Looking east on Main Street in Morton, WA.jpg
|imagesize                = 250px
|image_caption            = Main Street, Morton, Washington
|image_map                = Lewis_County_Washington_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Morton_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Morton, Washington
<!-- Location ------>
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Washington|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis]]
<!-- Government ----->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = 
|leader_name              = 
|established_title        = Incorporated
|established_date         = January 7, 1913
<!-- Area ------>
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_53.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 2.16
|area_land_km2            = 2.13
|area_water_km2           = 0.03
|area_total_sq_mi         = 0.83
|area_land_sq_mi          = 0.82
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.01
<!-- Population ----->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_total         = 1036
|population_density_km2   = 563.60
|population_density_sq_mi = 1460.41
<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific (PST)]]
|utc_offset               = -8
|timezone_DST             = PDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -7
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft             = 932
|coordinates              = {{coord|46|33|27|N|122|16|53|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/>
<!-- Area/postal codes and others -->
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 98356
|area_code                = [[Area code 360|360]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 53-47175
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 2411171<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2411171}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|http://www.visitmorton.com}}
|footnotes                = 
}}

'''Morton''' is a city in [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis County]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], United States. The population was 1,036 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US5347175 |work=American FactFinder |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref>

==History==

===19th century===
A village of the [[Cowlitz people|Upper Cowlitz people]], known as Wa-sa, had existed at the present-day site of the city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rochon Wilson |first1=Roy I. |title=Where and How the Cowlitz Lived |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/roy-i-rochon-wilson-commentary-where-and-how-the-cowlitz-lived,128619? |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 31, 2012}}</ref> Morton was first settled in 1871 by James Fletcher.  It was later named after [[Benjamin Harrison]]'s Vice President, [[Levi P. Morton]],<ref name=majors>{{Cite book| last = Majors | first = Harry M. | title = Exploring Washington | publisher = Van Winkle Publishing Co | year = 1975 | page = 122 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CoWrPQAACAAJ| isbn = 978-0-918664-00-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Meany|first=Edmond S.|title=Origin of Washington geographic names|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027074981;view=1up;seq=188|year=1923|publisher=University of Washington Press|location=Seattle|page=172}}</ref> in 1889.  Morton was officially incorporated on January 7, 1913.

===20th century===
[[File:Morton, Washington 1910.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Morton, Washington 1910]]
In July 1924, a large portion of Morton's downtown district was decimated in a fire, affecting 18 blocks. Beginning at the Hilts Hotel, the blaze spread and destroyed 19 commercial buildings, including structures deemed fireproof. A new building collapsed and the Arcade Theater and two [[general store]]s were in ruins. With the exception of a housing section for railroad employees, residential areas in Morton were spared; only one minor injury was reported. Another fire engulfed the area several years later, setting fire to the post office.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fire Destroys City Of Morton |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/chehalis/chehalis-bee-nugget/1924/08-01 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=August 1, 1924 |pages=1, 10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Scoggins |first1=Jim |title=Morton Destroyed By Fire 45 Years Ago |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1969/07-26/page-21 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=July 26, 1969 |page=10}}</ref>

The [[White Pass Highway]] (part of U.S. Route 12) was relocated through Morton in December 1967 due to the creation of [[Riffe Lake]] behind [[Mossyrock Dam]], which inundated the old route.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 3, 1967 |title=New Highway Bypasses New Reservoir |page=B14 |work=The Tacoma News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-new-highway-bypasses-ne/129114786/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 31, 1967 |title=Morton Has Good Year, Looks Ahead |page=D10 |work=The Tacoma News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-morton-has-good-year-l/129115645/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>

===21st century===
The city of Morton voted to leave the Timberland Regional Library district by way of proposition in 2022, leaving the city with no library or supporting library system.<ref>{{cite news |title=Morton Voters Favor Leaving Timberland Regional Library System |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/morton-voters-favor-leaving-timberland-regional-library-system,303421 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date= November 9, 2022}}</ref>

As part of a single-evening act of vandalism towards [[LGBT people in the United States#Hate crimes|LGBTQ]] symbols in June 2023 that also affected [[Chehalis, Washington]], a window and a rainbow bench outside of a business in the city were damaged.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Four Lewis County LGBTQ+ Advocate Sites Vandalized in One Night |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/four-lewis-county-lgbtqplus-advocate-sites-vandalized-in-one-night,321415 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Girgis |first1=Lauren |title=Flags stolen, vandalized throughout Washington during Pride month |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/flags-stolen-vandalized-throughout-washington-during-pride-month/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=July 7, 2023}}</ref>

A [[Washington State Auditor|state audit]] of Morton's government accounts were undertaken into 2024 and revealed a loss of over $937,000. Further investigations produced evidence the loss was misappropriated by the city's clerk-treasurer starting in 2013 and continuing into 2021. The city official, Tamara Clevenger, who during that time had sole oversight of the city's accounts, was suspected of siphoning the money for personal use. The clerk resigned after the city instituted a separation of the combined clerk-treasurer position in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lucia |first1=Bill |title=Former city official accused of stealing $937K from tiny Morton, WA |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/former-city-official-accused-of-stealing-937k-from-tiny-morton-wa/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |publisher=[[The Washington State Standard]] |date=August 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=State auditor: City of Morton lost nearly $1 million over a decade |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/state-auditor-city-of-morton-lost-nearly-1-million-over-a-decade,360597 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 26, 2024}}</ref> Clevenger was officially charged with wire fraud in federal court in April 2025;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freeman |first1=Caitlyn |title=Tiny WA city’s clerk embezzled almost $1M, federal charges say |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/tiny-wa-citys-clerk-embezzled-almost-1m-federal-charges-say/ |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The Seattle Times |date=April 24, 2025}}</ref> she pled guilty the following month.<ref>{{cite news |author1=MyNorthwest.com staff |title=Morton city clerk admits to embezzling nearly $1 million over years |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/morton-city-clerk-admits-embezzling-nearly-1-million-over-years/NY6GZNLLURD2REROT5HMQXME7Q/ |access-date=May 19, 2025 |work=[[KIRO-TV|KIRO 7 News]] |publisher=[[MyNorthwest.com]] |date=May 8, 2025}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Morton WA from Dog Mountain.jpg|thumb|Morton as seen from Dog Mountain]]
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|0.83|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|0.82|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.01|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=December 19, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archivedate=January 12, 2012}}</ref>

===Climate===
This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F.  According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Morton has a [[Mediterranean climate#Warm-summer Mediterranean climate|warm-summer Mediterranean climate]], abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=682454&cityname=Morton%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Morton, Washington]</ref>

==Demographics==

=== 2020 census ===
As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],<ref name="2020 Census (City)" /> the population was 1,036, there were 506 housing units and 503 families. The racial makeup of the city was 88.1% [[White (U.S. census)|White]], 7.7% from two or more races, 6.6% [[Hispanic (U.S. census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]], 1.7% from [[Other races (U.S. Census)|other races]],  1.3% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]], 0.5% [[Asian (U.S. census)|Asian]], 0.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]] and 1 person was [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander]].

There were 506 households, of which 18.2% had minors living with them, 55.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 26.2% had a female householder with no spouse present and 17.9% had a male householder with no spouse present. The average family size was 2.89. 80.5% [[Homeownership in the United States|owned a house]], and the median gross rent was $900. 63.3% of occupied units paying rent paid $500 to $999, 18.4% paid $1,000 to $1,499, 10.2% paid less than $500 and 8.2% paid $1,500 to $1,499.

The [[Population pyramid|median age]] in the city was 49.5. 18.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 31.3% was between the ages 20-44, 28.3% was between the ages 45-64 and 23.1% were 65 years and older. The gender markup of the city was 53.6% male and 46.3% female. 6.5% of the population were [[Veteran|veterans]] and 31.0% of the population were [[Disability in the United States|disabled]].

The [[Median income|median household income]] was $55,156 and 13.5% of the population was in [[Poverty in the United States|poverty]]. The [[employment rate]] was 40.8%. 28.4% of employed workers worked in [[Retail|retail trade]], 23.5% worked in [[The arts|arts]], [[entertainment]] and [[Foodservice|food services]], 14.0% worked in [[Education in the United States|educational service]] and [[Healthcare in the United States|healthcare]], 11.3% worked in [[Manufacturing in the United States|manufacturing]], 7.5% worked in [[public administration]], 4.9% worked in [[construction]], 2.9% worked in [[finance]] or [[real estate]], 2.4% worked in professional, [[Science|scientific]], [[management]], and administrative and [[Waste management in the United States|waste management services]], 2.2% worked in other services, 1.6% worked in [[Agriculture in the United States|agriculture]], [[Forestry in the United States|forestry]], [[Fishing industry in the United States|fishing]], [[Hunting in the United States|hunting]], or [[Mining in the United States|mining]] and 1.3% worked in [[Transportation in Washington (state)|transportation]], [[Warehouse|warehousing]] and [[utilities]]. The mean usual hours worked was 36.6, 40.1 hours for males and 33.2 hours for females.{{US Census population
|1920= 522
|1930= 461
|1940= 778
|1950= 1140
|1960= 1183
|1970= 1134
|1980= 1264
|1990= 1130
|2000= 1045
|2010= 1126
|2020= 1036
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=f>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 7, 2013}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}

===2010 census===
According to the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]],<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref> there were 1,126 people, 461 households, and 283 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1373.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 535 housing units at an average density of {{convert|652.4|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.5% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.6% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.8% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.6% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.9% of the population.

There were 461 households, of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.6% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.83.

The city had a median age of 46.3 years. Among the population, 20.3% were under 18 years old, 8.2% were between 18 and 24, 19.5% were aged 25 to 44, 25.8% were between 45 and 64, and 26.2% were 65 years old or older. The gender distribution was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

==Economy==
Historic sources of revenue in the early days of Morton included [[logging]], harvesting of [[Rhamnus purshiana|cascara]] [[bark (botany)|bark]], and mining for [[cinnabar]] (mercury ore) in local mines. Morton was once known as the "tie mill capital of the world" in the 1950s.  The longest [[railroad tie]] dock in the world ran along the railroad tracks east of Morton.<ref>LaVonne M. Sparkman, From Homestead to Lakebed (Spakrman Publications, 1994) p. 72. {{ISBN|0-89288-249-2}}</ref>

Timber processing and logging are a large component of Morton's economy though the community suffered hardships during the loss of timber production due to environmental laws enacted in the late 20th century. {{As of|2024}}, two lumber mills reside in the town.<ref name="HTWLT"/>

==Arts and culture==

===Charitable organizations===
Morton's downtown arts center is supported by the Fire Mountain Arts Council (FMAC), a non-profit formally incorporated in 2003. The group purchased the Roxy Theater and managed and found funding for the venue's restoration efforts that was completed in 2024. The FMAC also manages an art gallery and the Tiller Arts and Events Center in Morton.<ref name="BDRBC">{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title='Backstage Debut': Ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Morton's Roxy Theater to unveil new expansion |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/backstage-debut-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-held-at-mortons-roxy-theater-to-unveil-new,342317 |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 19, 2024}}</ref>

===Festivals and events===
The Morton Loggers’ Jubilee is a weekend celebration of the city's history of logging, usually held in August. Due to a lack of permanent records, the actual year the jubilee began is unknown, however there are reports of a beginning timeline of 1937 or 1938.<ref name="MTH80">{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Morton to host 80th annual Loggers Jubilee starting Thursday |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/morton-to-host-80th-annual-loggers-jubilee-starting-thursday,323495 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 9, 2023}}</ref> The event has been a tradition since the 1940s and is proclaimed as the "granddaddy of all logging shows".<ref name="HTWLT">{{cite news |last1=Rietmulder |first1=Michael |title=How this WA logging town shaped Grammy nominee Brandy Clark |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/how-this-wa-logging-town-shaped-grammy-nominee-brandy-clark/ |access-date=February 28, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=February 3, 2024}}</ref> Highlights include the coronation of a Jubilee Queen, [[Lawn mower racing|lawnmower]] and bed racing, and competitive [[Lumberjack#Loggersports|logging contests]], which continues the original practice of the jubilee to be a "friendly competition between loggers".<ref name="MTH80"/> A parade, flea market, live music, and street dance performances round out the festivities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rubin |first1=Will |title=The 'Granddaddy of All Logging Shows' Rolls on in Morton |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/the-granddaddy-of-all-logging-shows-rolls-on-in-morton,15760? |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Granddaddy of All Logging Shows: Morton Loggers' Jubilee Returns This Weekend for 78th Run |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/granddaddy-of-all-logging-shows-morton-loggers-jubilee-returns-this-weekend-for-78th-run,270609 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 11, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Morton Loggers Jubilee - Jubilee History |url=https://loggersjubilee.com/jubilee-history/ |website=loggersjubilee.com |publisher=Morton Loggers Jubilee Committee |access-date=August 12, 2021}}</ref> In her first homecoming show in Morton, [[Brandy Clark]] performed during the 75th anniversary of the event in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nailon |first1=Jordan |title=Homegrown Country Music Star Brandy Clark to Perform Local Shows |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/homegrown-country-music-star-brandy-clark-to-perform-local-shows,27195? |access-date=April 16, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 27, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Betts |first1=Stephen L. |title=Brandy Clark to Release Concert Album 'Live From Los Angeles' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/brandy-clark-to-release-concert-album-live-from-los-angeles-117417/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=August 3, 2017}}</ref> Visitors to the city are welcomed with a wooden sculpture of a lumberjack, given the title "Big Ole", signifying the jubilee's importance to the community.<ref name="AITPC"/>

===Historic buildings and sites===
The downtown district is home to the Roxy Theater, first opened in 1938; the first film shown was [[Thin Ice (1937 film)|Thin Ice]], starring figure skater [[Sonja Henie]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Morton |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/chehalis/chehalis-bee-nugget/1938/03-15/page-2 |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=March 15, 1938 |page=2}}</ref>{{efn|Although sourcing in the 2000s mentions either 1925 or 1937 as the year the Roxy was opened, the reference listed specifically reports that the theater opened for the first time in March 1938.}} The movie house was previously the site of another venue known as the Arcade Theater. Having been dormant since 1980,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lawton |first1=Mark |title=Arts council to purchase theater |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/arts-council-to-purchase-theater,248024? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 2, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Pat |title='What's playing at the Roxy? I'll tell you what's playing at the Roxy …' |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/whats-playing-at-the-roxy-ill-tell-you-whats-playing-at-the-roxy,242707? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 25, 2004}}</ref> the site was heavily restored beginning in the early 2000s and finished by 2006. The Roxy was fully opened for films and theater productions the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Decker |first1=Sharyn L. |title=Movies Return to Morton |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2007/04-09/page-3 |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 9, 2007 |page=A3}}</ref> A further remodeling effort began during the [[Covid-19 pandemic]], which included an addition to the building used as a backstage, and was completed in 2024. The theater holds live theatrical performances and film viewings.<ref name="BDRBC"/> The Roxy is also home to an art gallery.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=BCJ Gallery in Morton to feature student artwork |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/bcj-gallery-in-morton-to-feature-student-artwork,339369? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 29, 2024}}</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
Located on Morton's east side lies Jubilee Park, home of the Loggers Jubilee.<ref name="AITPC">{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Art in the Park celebrates a decade |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/art-in-the-park-celebrates-a-decade,221858? |access-date=April 15, 2024 |work=[[The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington)]] |date=May 22, 2006}}</ref> A renovation of the park began in 2024 under volunteer efforts. In 2025, vandalism, along with the theft of benches, bleachers, and building materials, has hampered the completion of the project.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title='They’re stealing from the kids': Thieves steal bleachers and more from Morton's Jubilee Park |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/theyre-stealing-from-the-kids-thieves-steal-bleachers-and-more-from-mortons-jubilee,379903 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 30, 2025}}</ref>

Bordering the [[Tilton River]] is Gust Backstrom (City) Park, often home to the city's farmer's market and was the location of the Old Settlers Museum.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Filley |first1=Bette |title=The Big Fact Book about Mount Rainier |date=1996 |publisher=Dunamis House |isbn=9781880405062 |page=19 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xv4qlIPaSLUC |access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Museums of history, motorcycles and military |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/museums-of-history-motorcycles-and-military,221868? |access-date=April 15, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 22, 2006}}</ref> The grounds, in 1896, were home to the first schoolhouse built in the town.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sparkmann |first1=Lavone M. |title=Let's Crack the Books and Study Up on Early Schoolhouses |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/lavonne-m-sparkman-commentary-lets-crack-the-books-and-study-up-on-early-schoolhouses,128919? |access-date=April 15, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 29, 2012}}</ref> The park is used by the [[Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife]] (WDFW) to deliver migrating Chinook salmon, circumventing the dams on the Cowlitz River.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nailon |first1=Jordan |title=Popular, Controversial Cowlitz River Steelhead Recycling Program Resumes |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/popular-controversial-cowlitz-river-steelhead-recycling-program-resumes,47534? |access-date=April 15, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 14, 2016}}</ref> Named after August Backstrom, a Swedish immigrant and long-serving public servant in Morton, he donated the land to the city before his death in 1972. The site contains a cabin for a park caretaker, who acts as an overseer of the site and is a host to campers throughout the year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Morton continues search for new live-in caretaker at Gust Backstrom Park |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/morton-continues-search-for-new-live-in-caretaker-at-gust-backstrom-park,377730? |access-date=March 31, 2025 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 28, 2025}}</ref>

==Politics==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:95%;"
|+ Presidential Elections Results
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
! Year
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Third Party (United States)|Third parties]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2020 United States presidential election in Washington (state)|2020]]'''<ref>Washington Secretary of State [https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20201103/lewis/precincts-60513.html Results by Precinct]</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''69.0%''' ''288''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|29.0% ''114''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.0% ''12''
|- 
|}

Morton has historically voted [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] although less so than Lewis County as a whole.

The 2020 election included 9 votes for candidates of the [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian Party]].

==Education==
There are two schools, Morton Elementary and Morton Junior-Senior High. [[Centralia College]] East is adjacent to the Junior-Senior High facility.

The Morton-White Pass boy's high school basketball team won back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015. The first title was achieved during an undefeated season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=VanTuyl |first1=Aaron |title=A Decade in Review: Looking Back at the Best of the 2010s |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/a-decade-in-review-looking-back-at-the-best-of-the-2010s,6057? |access-date=April 2, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
===Healthcare===
Morton and East Lewis County residents are served by Arbor Health–Morton Hospital. Before 2019, the healthcare center was known as Morton General Hospital. The hospital opened in 1937 under ownership of Dr. C.B. Ritchie and contained 11 beds; the first nurse, Gladys Howlett, prepared food and provided clean laundry. The site expanded in 1952 and became a public healthcare campus in 1978 after the creation of a hospital district. Additional expansion occurred in 1992 with the construction of a [[long term care]] building, absorbed later for use as a hospital wing. The campus was overhauled with a new hospital building that opened in 2007, containing rooms for [[acute care]] and other modern medical building amenities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Julie |title=Medical care grew locally from doctor's offices to large hospitals |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/julie-mcdonald-medical-care-grew-locally-from-doctors-offices-to-large-hospitals,338912 |access-date=March 11, 2025 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 22, 2024}}</ref>

===Transportation===
[[File:Morton, WA — Fire station.jpg|thumb|Fire station in Morton]]
The community is among 8 locations that are part of an [[Electric vehicle|EV]] installation project on the [[White Pass Scenic Byway]]. The program will stretch from the [[White Pass Ski Area]] to Chehalis and is run in partnership with Lewis County PUD, [[Twin Transit]], state government agencies, and local community efforts. The venture began in 2023 from two grants totaling over $1.8 million.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Construction Begins on U.S. Highway 12 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/construction-begins-on-us-highway-12-electric-vehicle-charging-station-network,315141 |access-date=June 21, 2023 |work=The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) |date=March 7, 2023}}</ref>

In 2023, [[Lewis County Transit]] began offering weekday, direct-route service from [[Centralia, Washington|Centralia's]] Mellen Street e-Transit Station to the Morton Energy Station. The route, given the moniker "Brown Line", allows options for commuters to connect to other transit services in western Washington, such as [[Intercity Transit]], [[RiverCities Transit (Washington)|RiverCities Transit]], and the Cowlitz Tribal transportation system.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Twin Transit Begins Weekday Service Between Centralia and Morton |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/twin-transit-begins-weekday-service-between-centralia-and-morton,315072 |access-date=August 16, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 6, 2023}}</ref>

====Strom Field Airport====
Strom Field Airport is a single-runway municipal airfield located immediately southeast of the downtown core. Named after Stan T. Strom, a local devotee of aviation, the {{convert|10|acre|ha|adj=mid}} airport was constructed between 1964 and 1965.<ref>{{cite news |title=From Cascades to Pacific, airports adapting to changing needs |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1977/12-03/page-36 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 3, 1977}}</ref> The airstrip is {{convert|1,810|ft|m|1}} in length and is {{convert|40|ft|m|1}} wide.<ref>{{cite web |title=39P - Strom Field Airport |url=https://www.airnav.com/airport/39P |publisher=AirNav |access-date=July 11, 2024}}</ref> The airport was reported to be home to 6 aircraft and generated a revenue of over $28,000 in a 2010 [[economic impact analysis]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Study Finds Positive Economic Impacts From Washington State Airports |url=https://www.aviationpros.com/airports/airports-municipalities/news/10708435/washington-state-airports-create-a-positive-impact-on-the-economy |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=AviationPros.com |publisher=The Chronicle |date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> A pilot of a [[Cirrus SR22]] died during a crash in March 2010 when the aircraft, approximately {{convert|2.5|mi}} from the airport, clipped trees during an attempted emergency landing due to power loss to an engine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brewer |first1=Christopher |title=A History of Fatal Aircraft Crashes in Lewis County |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/a-history-of-fatal-aircraft-crashes-in-lewis-county,80908? |access-date=December 10, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 27, 2014}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Bill Bryant (politician)|Bill Bryant]], Seattle Port Commissioner<ref>{{citation|title=Governor Candidate Bill Bryant to Speak at Lincoln Day Dinner in Chehalis|newspaper=The Chronicle|date=February 22, 2016|location=Centralia, Washington|url=http://www.chronline.com/governor-candidate-bill-bryant-to-speak-at-lincoln-day-dinner/article_b707b4aa-d9d0-11e5-9c26-83cd8107fce1.html}}</ref>
* [[Brandy Clark]], singer/songwriter for many Nashville recording artists<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chronline.com/news/article_911884f4-f40c-11df-a12a-001cc4c002e0.html|title=Singer-Songwriter: Morton Native's Songs Making It Onto Major Country, Gospel Albums|date=November 19, 2010 }}</ref>
*[[Buzz Osborne|Roger "Buzz" Osborne]], singer/songwriter/guitarist for the rock band [[Melvins]]
*[[T.A. Peterman]], founder of [[Peterbilt Motors Company]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Pat |title=Peterman of Morton founded Peterbilt Truck Co. |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/peterman-of-morton-founded-peterbilt-truck-co,214598? |access-date=December 9, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 27, 2007}}</ref>

==See also==
* [https://firemac.org/ Fire Mountain Arts Council]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.centralia.edu/about/locations/cceast/default.aspx Centralia College East]
* [http://mortonchamber.lewiscounty.com/ Morton Chamber of Commerce]
* {{webarchive |url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20011216180720/http%3A//www.morton.wednet.edu/ |title=Morton School District |date=December 16, 2001}}

{{Lewis County, Washington}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Cities in Lewis County, Washington]]
[[Category:Levi P. Morton]]