YELM, WASHINGTON

Yelm, situated on a historic prairie in Thurston County, carries a name derived from the Coast Salish word "shelm," meaning "shimmering heat waves from the sun." This area, originally inhabited by the Nisqually Tribe, saw its first permanent American settlers arrive around 1853, joining Hudson's Bay Company sheep farmers. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873 was a pivotal moment, transforming Yelm into a prosperous hub for agricultural and forestry products. Further bolstered by an irrigation system in 1916, it became known for its commercial berry and bean production. Officially incorporated in 1924, Yelm has evolved from a vital prairie community and gateway to Mount Rainier into a growing residential center. Its unique journey from a shimmering prairie to a thriving town is vividly told through the historical photographs that capture its distinct past.