The history of Edgewood can be traced to the Puyallup Indian tribe that lived along the Puyallup River and Vashon Island. The first non-Native American to come through the Puyallup Valley was William Fraser Tolmie enroute to Fort Nisqually in 1833. He was a member of the first immigrant train to pass over the Naches Pass trail through the Cascade Mountains toward Puget Sound country. There were 34 people from five different families who were so impressed with the fertility of the valley, that they settled there the following Spring. A dozen donation land claims were taken up in the valley and additional land that was available for settlement was purchased from the railroad. There were five people who filed land claims of 100 acres or more, William Benston’s being the closest to what is now Edgewood.
Today, the City of Edgewood is approximately 8.9 square miles and home for almost 10,000 people. Cityhood continues into the 21st century with the hope and aspiration to be a community where the quality of life is maintained for all residents and were economic development reflects the character of Edgewood.
Provided By: www.cityofedgewood.org