1953 Map of Hoquiam

Inland, the drainage patterns of the Chehalis River and Cowlitz River define the settlement geography of Centralia and Chehalis. These river valleys support a network of small communities and rural institutions, such as Fern Hill School and Fir Wood School. The infrastructure of the era is represented by early aviation sites like Astoria Marine Air Service and Longview Sky Harbor, alongside the extensive grounds of the Fort Lewis Military Reservation.