KELSO INFORMATION & HISTORY
Get to know Kelso, from its Scottish roots to its best-kept stories, through our historical walking tours, progressive dinners, and the Condensed Guide to Kelso.
Overhead view of Downtown Kelso. Photo provided by City of Kelso.
WHY IT MATTERS
Every town has stories, and Kelso has some good ones. Knowing where a place came from changes how you see it. The old building on the corner, the river, the downtown storefronts all carry history that most people walk past without knowing. When residents and visitors learn those stories, they connect with Kelso in a deeper way, and that connection turns into pride. We know you'll love Kelso like we love Kelso!
KELSO, WA & KBCA FUN FACTS:
- Kelso was named by Scottish-born surveyor Peter Crawford after his hometown of Kelso, Scotland.
- It later earned the title “Smelt Capital of the World.”
- Kelso is the County Seat of Cowlitz County.
- We partner with the Cowlitz Historical Museum to bring the rest of those stories to life. Our annual progressive dinners and historical walking tours, including “Bites, Brews, and Brothels” in 2024, “Hot August Crimes” in 2025, and West Kelso's Wild West Side in 2026, pair a stroll through town with local food and drink and the colorful true stories behind the buildings.
- We also created the Condensed Guide to Kelso, a quick resource for newcomers, visitors, and longtime locals who want to know their town a little better.
CONDENSED GUIDE TO KELSO 10/26 VERSION
Take a tour. Join us for our next historical walking tour and progressive dinner. This event is held in late summer every year. Tickets go fast!
Explore the Condensed Guide to Kelso. Everything you need to know about Kelso in one place. Share it with a new neighbor.
Have a Kelso story or old photo? [We’d love to hear it. Your memories could become part of a future tour.]