1953 Map of Rainier

Evidence of early community life is found in the scattered rural institutions throughout Columbia County, such as the Hudson Sch and the Fernhill Sch (Aband). Infrastructure for the era's communications and defense is also present, including a Microwave Relay Sta and the U S Naval Reserve Training Center. Moving south along the Spokane Portland and Seattle railroad, smaller riverfront settlements like Trojan, Prescott, and Goble mark the transition toward more rural valley terrain.