Winlock, Washington

{{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}} {{Infobox settlement |official_name = Winlock, Washington |settlement_type = City |nickname = |motto =  |image_skyline = File:Washington Co-op building Winlock WA c1930.jpg |imagesize = |image_caption = Washington Co-op building, Winlock, {{circa}} 1930 |image_flag = |image_seal =  |image_map = Lewis_County_Washington_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Winlock_Highlighted.svg |mapsize = 250px |map_caption = Location of Winlock, Washington |image_map1 = |mapsize1 = |map_caption1 =  |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = United States |subdivision_type1 = State |subdivision_name1 = Washington |subdivision_type2 = County |subdivision_name2 = Lewis  |government_footnotes = |government_type = |leader_title = Mayor |leader_name = Brandon Svenson |leader_title1 = |leader_name1 = |established_title = Founded |established_date = 1871 |established_title1 = Incorporated |established_date1 = February 28, 1883 |named_for = General William Winlock Miller  |unit_pref = Imperial |area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2024">{{cite web|title=2024 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2024_Gazetteer/2024_gaz_place_53.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=May 16, 2025}}</ref> |area_magnitude = |area_total_km2 = 8.76 |area_land_km2 = 8.76 |area_water_km2 = 0.00 |area_total_sq_mi = 3.38 |area_land_sq_mi = 3.38 |area_water_sq_mi = 0.00 |area_water_percent = 0.0  |population_as_of = 2020 |population_est = 2515 |pop_est_as_of = 2024 |pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2024"/> |population_footnotes = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/> |population_total = 1472 |population_density_km2 = 743.86 |population_density_sq_mi = 1926.59  |timezone = Pacific (PST) |utc_offset = –8 |timezone_DST = CDT |utc_offset_DST = –7 |elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/> |elevation_m = 109 |elevation_ft = 358 |coordinates = {{Coord|46.490681|-122.918391|region:US-WA_type:city|format=dms|display=inline,title}} |postal_code_type = ZIP Code |postal_code = 98596 |area_codes = 360 and 564 |blank_name = FIPS code |blank_info = 53-79275 |blank1_name = GNIS feature ID |blank1_info = 2412283<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2412283}}</ref> |website = {{URL|https://cityofwinlock.com/|cityofwinlock.com}} |footnotes = }}

'''Winlock''' ({{IPAc-en|w|ɪ|n|l|ə|k}}) is a city in Lewis County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,472 at the 2020 census,<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Winlock_city,_Washington?g=160XX00US5379275 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 16, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> and was estimated to be 2,515 in 2024.<ref name="USCensusEst2024"/> It was named after territorial army general, William Winlock Miller,<ref name=majors>{{Cite book|last=Majors |first=Harry M. |title=Exploring Washington |publisher=Van Winkle Publishing Co |year=1975 |page=120 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CoWrPQAACAAJ |isbn=978-0-918664-00-6}}</ref><ref name=hale>{{Cite book|last=Hale |first=Janet |title=Winlock, Washington Territory (Thesis) |publisher=Linfield College |year=1948 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WinlockHistory.pdf}}</ref> who briefly resided there. Winlock is mostly famous for having the World's Largest Egg,<ref>[http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/4033 "World's Largest Egg"]. Roadside America. Retrieved January 16, 2012.</ref> reflecting its former status as a major producer of eggs. Early in its history, Winlock attracted many immigrants from Finland, Germany, and Sweden.

==History== ===Origin=== Winlock began as a Northern Pacific Railroad construction camp called Wheeler's Camp in c. 1871. The railroad was then in the process of extending its line from Kalama to Tacoma, Washington. Dr. C. C. Pagett, an early resident, donated the land for the townsite. In 1873, he named it for General William Winlock Miller of Olympia, a man of some renown in the area. Miller had promised to give a school bell to the town if it were to be named after him. The town was incorporated on February 28, 1883.<ref name=hale/>

===Early economy=== Lumbering was the initial economic driver. A number of sawmills were established beginning in the late 1800s. In the late 1920s there were four mills in operation, employing 350 men and producing over 30 million board feet of fir lumber annually.<ref name=":0">Advertising pamphlet, Winlock Commercial Club, c1928</ref>

Agriculture developed in the early 1900s with the impetus on the raising of poultry and the production of eggs.<ref name="AOTMA">{{cite news|last1=Banel |first1=Feliks |title=All Over The Map: A half-dozen half-baked facts about the iconic giant Winlock Egg |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3207687/all-over-the-map-half-dozen-facts-giant-winlock-egg/?fbclid=IwAR11bS7iVixWfC8s2qarCFUI0vdI0TzJuxI-z5OU3iREpFNrbTz7ygT_eiY |access-date=November 22, 2023 |work=KIRO News Radio (Seattle) |date=October 29, 2021}}</ref> A branch of the Washington Cooperative Egg & Poultry Association located in the town constructed a large building in the north end of town, near the railroad tracks, around 1920. It housed grain storage bins and poultry processing facilities. The building remains standing today. Several hatcheries were located in the town. More than 750,000 baby chicks were produced during the 1928 season.<ref name=":0" />

In 1922 it was noted in a local newspaper that the only American city that produced more eggs than Winlock was Petaluma, California. In a single weekend in 1923, Winlock shipped 38,400 dozen eggs to New York state. Winlock at that time was touted as the "Egg and Poultry Capital of the World".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egg Farming in Washington |url=https://www.historylink.org/file/21048 |access-date=April 4, 2022 |website=www.historylink.org}}</ref>

===21st century=== A fire in Winlock's downtown area consumed the city's historic Warne's Drug Store building in late 2022. The structure was built in 1911 but burned down the following year. Rebuilt soon thereafter, the building housed the now-defunct Winlock News and Winlock Phone Company, as well as other various businesses for the next century. At the time of loss, the location was used as a hostel for six years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Emily |title=City of Winlock Intends to Tear Down Fire-Damaged Historic Building by End of the Week |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/city-of-winlock-intends-to-tear-down-fire-damaged-historic-building-by-end-of-the-week,303797 |access-date=June 26, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 16, 2022}}</ref> An annexation proposal by the city to incorporate Winlock's urban growth area (UGA) was dismissed in 2023 by the Lewis County Supreme Court over a combination of protests from residents in the UGA and the questions of statutory and filing periods and connected legal authority.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Emily |title=Judge Dismisses Winlock's Petition to Enforce Annexation |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/judge-dismisses-winlocks-petition-to-enforce-annexation,317542 |access-date=June 19, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 17, 2023}}</ref> The UGA, formed from a county contract in 2006, is recorded as containing {{convert|1,335|acre}} with a population of 335 residents. A citizen-led petition for the proposal to be reviewed by the Washington State Boundary Review Board for Lewis County exceeded the minimum voting requirements and a subsequent unanimous approval of the annexation by the board occurred in August of that year. The annexation was adopted by a majority vote of the Winlock city council that autumn.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=1,355-acre expansion of Winlock approved by review board |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/1355-acre-expansion-of-winlock-approved-by-review-board,323499 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 9, 2023}}</ref><ref name="FAWMS">{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Following annexation, Winlock mayor says the city 'kept our promise' |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/following-annexation-winlock-mayor-says-the-city-kept-our-promise,370411 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 16, 2024}}</ref>

==Geography== According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|3.381|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|3.381|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.000|sqmi}} (0.00%) is water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2024"/> The city grew an additional {{convert|1,355|acre|sqmi|1}} after the 2023 UGA annexation.<ref name="FAWMS"/>

Olequa Creek, a main tributary of the Cowlitz River, runs through the center of town from north to south.

The eastern edge of the Willapa Hills lie to the west. To the east are relatively flat prairies. A notable landmark about four miles west of town is Sam Henry Mountain, elevation {{convert|1492|ft}}, named for an early section superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railroad.<ref name=hale/> Mt. St. Helens, about {{convert|40|mi|km|spell=in}} to the east can be seen from viewpoints around the area. In May 1980, Winlock was covered with about {{convert|1|in|cm|spell=in}} of volcanic ash from the second major eruption of this peak one week after the cataclysmic eruption of May 18.

==Demographics== {{US Census population |1900= 655 |1910= 1140 |1920= 832 |1930= 864 |1940= 861 |1950= 878 |1960= 808 |1970= 890 |1980= 1052 |1990= 1027 |2000= 1166 |2010= 1339 |2020= 1472 |estyear=2024 |estimate=2515 |estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref> |align-fn=center |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |website=www.census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> 2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/> | align = right }}

===Racial and ethnic composition=== {| class="wikitable" |+<big>Winlock, Washington – racial and ethnic composition</big> {{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}} ! Race / ethnicity (''NH = non-Hispanic'') ! Pop. 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Winlock city, Washington|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALSF12000.P004?g=160XX00US5379275|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref> ! Pop. 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Winlock city, Washington|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US5379275&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref> ! {{partial|Pop. 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Winlock city, Washington|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US5379275&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref> ! % 2000 ! % 2010 ! {{partial|% 2020}} |- | White alone (NH) | 1,014 | 1,085 | style='background: #ffffe6; |1,062 | 86.96% | 81.03% | style='background: #ffffe6; |72.15% |- | Black or African American alone (NH) | 2 | 8 | style='background: #ffffe6; |13 | 0.17% | 0.60% | style='background: #ffffe6; |0.88% |- | Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 8 | 14 | style='background: #ffffe6; |24 | 0.69% | 1.05% | style='background: #ffffe6; |1.63% |- | Asian alone (NH) | 9 | 8 | style='background: #ffffe6; |4 | 0.77% | 0.60% | style='background: #ffffe6; |0.27% |- | Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 4 | style='background: #ffffe6; |9 | 0.00% | 0.30% | style='background: #ffffe6; |0.61% |- | Other race alone (NH) | 0 | 0 | style='background: #ffffe6; |6 | 0.00% | 0.00% | style='background: #ffffe6; |0.41% |- | Mixed race or multiracial (NH) | 33 | 44 | style='background: #ffffe6; |130 | 2.83% | 3.29% | style='background: #ffffe6; |8.83% |- | Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 100 | 176 | style='background: #ffffe6; |224 | 8.58% | 13.14% | style='background: #ffffe6; |15.22% |- |'''Total''' |'''1,166''' |'''1,339''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''1,472''' |'''100.00%''' |'''100.00%''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%''' |}

===2020 census=== As of the 2020 census, there were 1,472 people, 523 households, and 351 families residing in the city.<ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0133P%2CDP1_0137P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=place%3A79275&in=state%3A53|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=February 26, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020PL"/> The median age was 34.8 years. 25.3% of residents were under the age of 18 and 15.9% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 92.8 males age 18 and over.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=place%3A79275&in=state%3A53|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2023|access-date=February 26, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

Of the 523 households, 39.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Married-couple households accounted for 42.1%, while 17.8% had a male householder with no spouse or partner present and 28.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

There were 565 housing units, of which 7.4% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.1% and the rental vacancy rate was 3.7%.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

{| class="wikitable" |+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census<ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A79275&in=state%3A53|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=February 26, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref> ! Race !! Number !! Percent |- | White || 1,111 || 75.5% |- | Black or African American || 13 || 0.9% |- | American Indian and Alaska Native || 30 || 2.0% |- | Asian || 4 || 0.3% |- | Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander || 9 || 0.6% |- | Some other race || 94 || 6.4% |- | Two or more races || 211 || 14.3% |- | ''Hispanic or Latino (of any race)'' || 224 || 15.2% |}

===2010 census=== As of the 2010 census, there were 1,339 people, 475 households, and 327 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1038.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 535 housing units at an average density of {{convert|414.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 84.69% White, 0.67% African American, 1.57% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.30% Pacific Islander, 8.36% from some other races and 3.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.14% of the population.

There were 475 households, of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.2% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the city was 34 years. 30.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 12.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.2% male and 48.8% female.

===2000 census=== As of the 2000 census, there were 1,166 people, 420 households, and 286 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1073.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 462 housing units at an average density of {{convert|425.4|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 88.25% White, 0.17% African American, 0.77% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 6.17% from some other races and 3.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 8.58% of the population.

In terms of ancestry, 22.1% were of German, 18.4% English, 12.2% American and 7.3% Irish.

There were 420 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.38.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,000, and the median income for a family was $38,875. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $20,547 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,269. About 13.4% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.4% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over.

===American Community Survey=== As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 631 estimated households in Winlock with an average of 3.08 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $68,750. Approximately 17.6% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Winlock has an estimated 59.2% employment rate, with 15.2% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 91.7% holding a high school diploma.<ref name="QF">{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Winlock city, Washington |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/winlockcitywashington/PST045224 |access-date=May 16, 2025 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref>

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (83.2%), Spanish (14.2%), Indo-European (2.1%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.5%), and Other (0.0%). ==Arts and culture== ===Festivals and events=== The first Winlock Egg Days Festival was held in 1921 after a paved road (now State Route 505) was completed between the town and the extinct community of Cowlitz. Known at first as the "Poultry and Egg Day", the annual event incorporates the city's poultry history and a local resident is honored as a festival marshal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Winlock Egg Days Festival gets cracking Friday through Sunday |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-egg-days-festival-gets-cracking-friday-through-sunday,341923 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 12, 2024}}</ref>

Since 2000, the city has hosted an annual Winlock Pickersfest (formerly known as the Winlock Bluesgrass Festival)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Kathy |title=Pickin' and Grinnin' |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/pickin-and-grinnin,189253? |access-date=January 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) |date=June 4, 2009}}</ref> at Winolequa Park. The festival focuses on the use of stringed instruments, particularly the banjo, and are incorporated into various musical genres including Americana, bluegrass, and jazz. The three-day event is usually held on the first weekend of August.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Winlock Pickersfest Returns for 20th Year |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-pickersfest-returns-for-20th-year,298072? |access-date=January 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) |date=August 8, 2022}}</ref>

===Groups and organizations=== Winlock is home to the Hope Grange (No. 155). It was established on March 18, 1904 in Evaline, beginning with 19 members.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Evaline School celebrates 140th anniversary alongside Hope Grange's 120th in Winlock |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/evaline-school-celebrates-140th-anniversary-alongside-hope-granges-120th-in-winlock,340654 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 20, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hope Grange Is at Evaline |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1953/06-06/page-83 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=June 6, 1953 |page=23C}}</ref>

===Historic buildings and sites=== {{see also|Winlock Egg}} Situated near Olequa Creek in a residential area west of the downtown core is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church which was built in 1908. It was closed in 2014 due to financial concerns. The church was reopened as a parish of the Saint George Byzantine Catholic Church of Olympia in November 2024 after a foundation formed by local residents purchased the building that summer with the intention to remodel, repair, and preserve the historic church.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Worshipers return to historic Winlock church |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/worshipers-return-to-historic-winlock-church,368821 |access-date=December 2, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 18, 2024}}</ref>

The Roth Family Barn, constructed in 1917, is listed on the Washington State Heritage Barn Register and is considered to be the "largest standing loose hay barn" in the Grand Prairie. The {{convert|56|x|96|ft|abbr=on}} structure was originally used as a dairy barn and for hay storage. A grant from WSHBR helped to repair the foundation and structural integrity of the barn; windows were also replaced. The efforts were completed in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Honeyford |first1=Jerri |title=Heritage Barns of Washington State: Heritage Barn Advisory Committee Report 2010 |url=https://dahp.wa.gov/sites/default/files/Barnbook%20ID3.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation |access-date=December 17, 2025 |pages=19-20 |date=2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Heritage Barns of Washington State: 2007 - 2019 |url=https://dahp.wa.gov/sites/default/files/BarnBook_Final_small.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation |access-date=December 24, 2025 |pages=85-88}}</ref>

==Parks and recreation== The city is home to Winolequa Park, Winlock's largest public park. Also known as Winolequa Memorial Park, it began by community volunteer effort in the 1960s and 1970s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Winlock kicks off playground fund-raiser |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-kicks-off-playground-fund-raiser,218196? |access-date=January 10, 2023 |work=The Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) |date=September 25, 2006}}</ref>

Since 2018, community groups and volunteers install the Winlock Memorial Christmas Tree at Vern Zander Memorial Park during the year end holiday season. {{As of|2024}}, approximately 450 ornaments containing a collection of the names of Winlock residents who have died are hung on the tree as to honor "those who are gone but will never be forgotten".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Winlock woman continues memorial Christmas tree tradition, honoring residents who have died |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-woman-continues-memorial-christmas-tree-tradition-honoring-residents-who-have-died,370132 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 11, 2024}}</ref>

Winlock was the planned site for the Southwest Washington Regional Equestrian Center. Also known as the REQ Center, formal planning began in 2006 and the horse arena was to have a seating capacity of over 7,000 people and was estimated to cost between $50 million and $80 million. The equestrian center was projected to present a variety of professional horse and rodeo competitions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lewis County horse arena gallops ahead of Sonics, NASCAR |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/lewis-county-horse-arena-gallops-ahead-of-sonics-nascar-11-20-2015# |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=KOMO 4 News (Seattle, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |date=March 25, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Lobbying For Horse Arena Continues |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/lobbying-for-horse-arena-continues,215689 |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 18, 2006}}</ref> An official site was chosen in 2008<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olson |first1=Erik |title=Winlock site selected as new proposed home for equestrian center |url=https://tdn.com/business/local/winlock-site-selected-as-new-proposed-home-for-equestrian-center/article_f5517826-1cff-5e2c-9558-474429216bb5.html |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=The Daily News (Longview, Washington) |date=September 10, 2008}}</ref> but the center's placement in Winlock was cancelled that same year after a project manager and a developer were fined after pleading guilty to illegally filling approximately {{convert|100|acre|ha}} of wetlands at the location.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Tuyl |first1=Aaron |title=Horse Arena Site Selection On Hold Following EPA, Ecology Penalties |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/horse-arena-site-selection-on-hold-following-epa-ecology-penalties,199719 |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 10, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Southwest Washington Developer Pleads Guilty To Illegally Filling Wetlands |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/waw/press/2010/sep/smith.html |website=The United States Attorney's Office - Western District of Washington |access-date=September 25, 2023 |date=September 20, 2010 |quote=Press Release}}</ref> In 2009, the arena was proposed to be moved to Napavine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olson |first1=Erik |title=Lewis County considering Napavine site for equestrian center |url=https://tdn.com/business/local/lewis-county-considering-napavine-site-for-equestrian-center/article_b6bf8a69-cc26-541c-b47a-77457b9a5f04.html |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=The Daily News (Longview, Washington) |date=October 16, 2009}}</ref>

==Economy== The creation of three port authorities in Lewis County, in an attempt to overcome stagflation in the region, was begun in 1986. The Port of Centralia and Port of Chehalis were established, but the third measure to created a port between Toledo and Winlock failed after a public vote. The failed attempt was thought to be due to the area's rural local and more resilient economy during the time period.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fogel |first1=Elise |title=First Port of Chehalis commissioners are sworn in on September 26, 1986 |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/9745 |publisher=HistoryLink |access-date=February 10, 2026 |date=February 27, 2011}}</ref>

==Government and politics== {| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:95%;" |+ Presidential Elections Results |- bgcolor=lightgrey ! Year ! Republican ! Democratic ! Third parties |- | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''2008'''<ref name="LC2008E">{{cite web|title=November 04, 2008 General Election - Lewis County |url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20081104/lewis/precincts-1.html |website=Results.Vote.WA |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|47.6 ''219'' | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.4%''' ''232'' | style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.0% ''9'' |- | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''2012'''<ref name="LC2012E">{{cite web|title=November 06, 2012 General Election - Lewis County |url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/lewis/precincts-1.html |website=Results.Vote.WA |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.8%''' ''234'' | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.5% ''197'' | style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.7% ''12'' |- | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''2016'''<ref name="LC2016E">{{cite web |title=November 8, 2016 General Election - Lewis County |url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20161108/lewis/precincts-1.html |website=Results.Vote.WA |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.8%''' ''262'' | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.5% ''147'' | style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|9.7% ''44'' |- | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''2020'''<ref name="LC2020E">{{cite web|title=November 3, 2020 General Election - Lewis County |url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20201103/lewis/precincts-60513.html |website=Results.Vote.WA |access-date=July 20, 2021}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.3%''' ''394'' | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|34.7% ''223'' | style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.1% ''20'' |- | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''2024'''<ref name="LC2024E">{{cite web |title=November 5, 2024 General Election - Lewis County |url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20241105/lewis/precincts-162430.html |website=Results.Vote.WA |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''62.7%''' ''643'' | style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.6% ''344'' | style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.7% ''38'' |- |} ===Government=== The city council for Winlock consists of 5 at-large, non-partisan<ref>{{cite web |title=Winlock Municipal Code |url=https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Winlock/#!/Winlock02/Winlock0225.html#2.25.090 |website=Code Publishing |access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref> members. The mayor, elected by the citizens of the city, also functions as Winlock's chief administrative officer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Winlock Elected Officials |url=https://cityofwinlock.com/index.php/city-council/ |website=City of Winlock |access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref> {{As of|2025}}, the mayor of Winlock is Brandon Svenson.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Council |url=https://www.cityofwinlock.com/172/City-Council |publisher=City of Winlock |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref> In 2026, Svenson will be proceeded by Victoria Marincin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Marincin (Mayor of Winlock, Washington, candidate 2025) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Victoria_Marincin_(Mayor_of_Winlock,_Washington,_candidate_2025) |publisher=Ballotpedia |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

===Politics=== In the 2024 election, there were 8 votes cast for write-in candidates and 18 votes were tallied for Robert F. Kennedy Jr..{{r|LC2024E}}

==Education== ===Sports=== Winlock High School's football team won Class B state titles in 1955, 1958, and 1959.<ref>{{cite news |last1=VanTuyl |first1=Aaron |title=Winlock Title Teams Reuniting Saturday |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-title-teams-reuniting-saturday,185907? |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 25, 2009}}</ref> Since the 1920s, a senior player is chosen annually to receive the Otis Roundtree Award, named for a local resident who played for the Washington Huskies in the 1890s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collucci |first1=Paula |title=Football Tradition Still Kicking After 80 Years |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/football-tradition-still-kicking-after-80-years,194958? |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 1, 2008}}</ref>

==Infrastructure== State Route 505 begins in Winlock and runs east to Interstate 5 and beyond to the city of Toledo. State Route 603, a former state highway, continues north from Winlock to intersect with State Route 6 near Chehalis.<ref>{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |accessdate=April 6, 2025}}</ref>

The BNSF Railway's Seattle Subdivision, a double track railroad, runs through the middle of the town. Union Pacific and Amtrak trains also use these tracks. The nearest Amtrak station is Centralia.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Winlock began constructing a fiber optic expansion of a regional broadband project in 2023. The initiative is led by a grant of $23.5 million from the Washington State Broadband Office with an additional $2.3 million from a regional communications company. Once completed, the broadband system will be owned by Lewis County. The venture was originally planned to be completed in 2024, but forecasted out to late 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Winlock Internet Expansion Enters Engineering Phase |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-internet-expansion-enters-engineering-phase,318314 |access-date=June 19, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Roland |first1=Mitchell |title=Broadband expansion to 2,300 homes, businesses in Winlock area breaks ground |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/broadband-expansion-to-2300-homes-businesses-in-winlock-breaks-ground,327327? |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 13, 2023}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [http://www.winlockwa.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B131FF39D-640A-4A04-8D6F-F1B120929459%7D/uploads/%7BAF9467A8-11F6-435F-B3B2-5C830CF7957E%7D.PDF A History of Winlock, Washington] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307220045/http://www.winlockwa.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B131FF39D-640A-4A04-8D6F-F1B120929459%7D/uploads/%7BAF9467A8-11F6-435F-B3B2-5C830CF7957E%7D.PDF |date=March 7, 2012 }} * [https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ASF9ULO9hJY3ZGdmOWc5Z183ZGR6c3ZzY3g&hl=en History of Winlock and vicinity] * [https://discoverlewiscounty.com/outdoor-adventures/winolequa-park Winolequa Park]

Category:Cities in Washington (state) Category:Cities in Lewis County, Washington