What is now Lakewood city was once called The Prairie. The British Hudson Bay Company annexed the area and established Fort Nisqually as a fur trading post. When the 49th parallel was declared the border, the land was purchased by the USA for $460 000. Immigrants began moving to the area in the 1850s and soon mills and a school were established. In 1889, Washington, the 42nd state was declared and the area was planned in such a way as to attract wealthy residents. Several mansions and a golf course were built around the lake. The Tacoma Speedway operated in the area from 1914-1922. An airstrip later became an airport, and a military base and resort were established in the area. Lakewood was incorporated as a city in 1995.

Lakewood Playhouse

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Olympus Spa

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