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Community – History Email the Chamber
How Concrete Got Its Name
Early settlers came to the Baker River in 1871, originally calling the settlement on the west bank "Minnehaha". In 1890, the townsite was platted by Magnus Miller, a post office was set up, and the name "Baker" was adopted. On the east bank of the river, the community that sprang up around the Washington Portland Cement Company (1905) was named "Cement City". After the Superior Portland Cement Company plant (1908) was built in Baker, it was decided to merge the two towns, and in 1909, after much discussion, the new community settled on the name "Concrete".
Concrete Main Street Buildings
Prior to 1921, several fires destroyed most of the original wooden buildings which had lined Main Street. Since concrete was in ample supply, it was decided that subsequent commercial buildings would be made from this nonflammable material. Historic plaques on many of the buildings list their construction dates. Three of the oldest wood frame structures which escaped the fires include the Baker Street Grill, the Assembly of God Church, and the town Hall & Library. The Main Yard, near Silo Park, is the only surviving wooden structure of a business district called Superior Addition.
Lower Baker Dam
Completed in 1925 and raised to 293 feet in 1927, it was the highest hydroelectric dam in the world at that time.
Washington Portland Cement Plant Site
Concrete's first cement plant, constructed in 1905. At that time, the community east of the Baker River was called "Cement City". A limestone quarry is over the hill to the north.
Superior Portland Cement Site
Now known as Silo Park, this was the site of Concrete's second cement plant, completed in 1908, and later operated by Lone Star Northwest until 1967. Remaining structures include the silos, office building, power generator building, and safety sculpture.
Old Concrete School Buildings
The first grade school building was constructed in 1910, and the addition to the east in 1938. The high school building was completed in 1923, at a cost of $13,422.
Great Northern Railway Corridor
The railroad from Sedro-Woolley reached Concrete in 1900, opening the Concrete area for commerce. Tracks were removed in 1996, creating Skagit County's Cascade Trail. The Skagit County Railway still includes an engine and a historic passenger car.
Concrete Theater
Built in 1923, its stage has entertained audiences from vaudeville to the movies. It is now listed on the State Registry of Historic Sites.
Town Hall And Library
Built in 1908, this building was Concrete's first schoolhouse, originally located across from the State Bank of Concrete.
Henry Thompson Bridge
Built in 1916-1918, it was named for the Skagit County Commissioner who promoted its construction. At the time, its graceful arch was the longest single-span cement bridge in the world, and is currently listed on the National Historic Register.
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