During the 56 years following the discovery of Grays Harbor by Captain Robert Gray in 1792, the McCleary area was visited only by trappers. In 1848, settlement began when men with an optimistic outlook and pioneering spirit entered the Chehalis River area, on foot or by ship, and began developing this area. The millions of acres of timber appeared to be inexhaustible. A few families settled along the Chehalis River.
In 1864, the vicinity of McCleary was under the ownership of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, obtained through a land grand given by President Harrison, and several homesteads including the Jake Anderson and Andrew Beck tracts. The Beck farm was located on what is now occupied by the McCleary Hotel and the town park.
In 1897 Henry McCleary came to this present site to start a cedar mill. He established a successful fir log and ship spar business, and in 1910 built what was to be one of the world's largest door factories. McCleary became a classic mill town, and in 1941 the door plant was purchased by Simpson Logging (Timber) Company. The town was incorporated in 1942.
POINTS OF INTEREST
McCleary Bear Festival - The McCleary Bear Festival has been the community’s summer festival for 40 years. This event is held the second weekend in July. There are food vendors, craft vendors, a parade, softball tournament, 10k road race, soap box derby, a street dance, lots of various entertainment and our famous bear stew lunch.
Adjacent Capital Forest - Horseback riding, camping and more.
Beerbower Park - Seven-acre Beerbower Park in downtown McCleary provides playground equipment for the children, picnic tables, barbecue and kitchen area, and restrooms. It features a locomotive which was purchased by Henry McCleary in 1905 and sold to Simpson Timber Company, which donated it to the City in 1962. A well-lighted baseball field, tennis court, and basketball court are used freely by all.
The McCleary Hotel - built in 1912 by town founder Henry McCleary to house special guests, provides an historic setting for dinners, weddings, receptions and other memorable occasions. Overnight guests enjoy rooms, most with private baths, and all with original furniture and fixtures.
McCleary Museum at Carnell House - has been in existence only a few years, but has a good display and information on the early history of the McCleary area and logging in eastern Grays Harbor County. The museum is staffed and supported by volunteers from the community. The museum is open between noon and 4 pm weekends during the Summer only. Guided group tours are available throughout the year by arrangement. Call (360) 495-3670.
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