Knowledge
The Surprisingly Interesting History of Shelton, Washington
Apr 21, 2025
If you’ve ever taken the long way around the Olympic Peninsula, there’s a good chance you’ve passed through Shelton, WA. Maybe even stopped for gas or a bite (if you were smart). It’s the kind of place that might not grab your attention right away—but dig a little deeper and, wow, there’s a lot of history packed into this little timber town.
How Shelton Got Its Name
Back in the 1850s, a guy named David Shelton showed up, staked some land near Oakland Bay, and ended up with a whole town named after him. Not a bad deal. He came up from Oregon, part of that big westward migration, and helped lay the groundwork for what would eventually become Shelton.
The city was officially incorporated in 1885, and yeah—it’s been logging country ever since. If you want the full official version of things, the city has a nice little write-up here, but the gist is: trees, water access, and a lot of grit.
Built on Logs (and Lots of Them)
Shelton’s story is all about timber. The place grew up around the Simpson Logging Company (now called Green Diamond), which opened a sawmill in the late 1800s. That mill powered the town—like, economically and literally. Generations of families worked there. The mill whistle still blows every day at noon, which is kinda charming if you’re into that sort of thing.
At one point, Shelton even called itself the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World." Not kidding. That’s how deep the logging roots go. There’s a cool write-up on HistoryLink that dives into this if you want to nerd out a bit.
Shelton’s Rowdy Reputation
In the early 1900s, Shelton wasn’t exactly a sleepy little town. Logging towns never are. Saloons, fights, the occasional brothel—this place had it all. There’s a local story about a bartender who’d chuck rowdy loggers through a trap door behind the bar. Not totally sure that’s true, but also… wouldn’t be surprised.
Wait, It’s the Only City in Mason County?
Yep. Shelton is technically the only incorporated city in all of Mason County. That means it’s the county seat and handles stuff like the courthouse, records, and so on. But it still feels more like a big town than a small city, you know?
According to the U.S. Census, it’s got around 10,000 people these days. Enough for a Walmart, not enough for a Target.
These Days, It’s More Than Just Timber
Shelton’s still got its logging roots, but the town’s grown a bit. These days you’ve got artists, nature folks, retirees, and people who got tired of Seattle and wanted a slower pace. It’s close to the Hood Canal and Olympic National Forest, which makes it a solid jumping-off point for weekend adventures.
And seriously—if you’re ever in town, go to Smoking Mo’s. Their BBQ is the real deal. Brisket that melts in your mouth. I still think about it sometimes when I’m supposed to be working.
Why This Little Town Sticks With You
What I love about Shelton is that it doesn’t try to be anything fancy. It knows what it is. You can still see logs floating in the bay. You can still hear the stories if you hang out in the right bar or coffee shop long enough. It’s rough around the edges, sure, but it’s also real—and that’s something you don’t find in every small town.
So if you're ever passing through, take the long route. Slow down. Look around. Maybe even stay a while.