Immersive Models and
Historical Replicas
Our exhibits feature an array of interactive models and authentic replicas, telling the story of the Port and City of Kalama and their evolution into a vital international hub.
Stand in awe before the towering 1917 Northern Pacific 1762 steam locomotive that once roared across early Kalama’s rail lines. Its immense scale and rich history make it one of our most memorable displays.
See Kalama’s past come alive on our one-of-a-kind 4K video wall. Curated historical videos highlight over a century of growth shaped by transportation, culture, and commerce.
Early Inhabitants,
Influential Figures,
and the birth of a
transportation hub
Discover the impact of Kalama’s first inhabitants — from the Cowlitz Tribe to trailblazers like Ezra Meeker — and how their legacies shaped the region’s identity.
Learn how Kalama’s unique landscape gave rise to a booming transportation economy and how the area became a strategic center of trade, railroads, and international connections.
The Northern Pacific 1762 Locomotive
In 2021, the Port was fortunate to capture a series of interviews between BNSF’s Gus Melonas and Jack Christensen, a former Northern Pacific engineer who maintained and operated locomotives similar to the Port’s Northern Pacific 1762 locomotive. Jack’s unique perspective on historic locomotives–like the one in our Interpretive Centre–gives valuable context into a time long before the modernisation of railroads.
Transportation Timeline
The Transportation Timeline section provides a comprehensive overview of Kalama’s rich transportation history, highlighting key events that have shaped the town into a vital hub for trade and travel. The first Northern Pacific Rail Route started in Kalama and ultimately connected territories mapped by Lewis and Clark over 60 years earlier.
In 1871, the Northern Pacific Railroad began construction of the first mainline rail in the northwestern US.
After purchasing 700 acres for its new terminus and headquarters, Northern Pacific founded and named the City of Kalama, and in a matter of months, the population exploded to 5000 residents.
Many of the first residents were Chinese laborers, 700 of whom were recruited from outside of the state and paid $6 per week to support the railroad’s building efforts.
he first scheduled trains between Kalama and Tacoma began in 1874. Later that year, Northern Pacific moved their headquarters to Tacoma, and Kalama’s population reached an all-time low.
While Kalama’s population declined after the terminus was moved, the completed route aided population growth overall and enabled the statehood of Washington.
Plan Your Visit
What to Expect
Prepare to step back in time and explore an immersive, educational experience. Our Interpretive Center is perfect for visitors of all ages looking to appreciate Kalama’s unique role in regional and national history.
Location & Hours
Visit us at the Port of Kalama Interpretive Center.
Monday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 10 AM–3 PM
