Longmire Museum: A Journey Through Time in Mount Rainier National Park
Nestled within the Longmire Historic District in Washington State's Mount Rainier National Park, the Longmire Museum stands as a testament to the area's rich history and natural wonders. Located 6.5 miles (10.5 km) east of the Nisqually Entrance, Longmire sits in the Nisqually River valley at an elevation of 2,761 feet (842 m) between The Ramparts Ridge and the Tatoosh Range. More than just a museum, Longmire is a destination, second only to Paradise in popularity among park visitors.
The Historic District
The Longmire Historic District encompasses the former headquarters district of the park and its chief developed area. It is an 85-acre (34 ha) area listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 1991, and includes 58 contributing buildings and structures.
Individually Listed Structures
Within the district, four structures hold individual distinction on the National Register of Historic Places:
- The Longmire Buildings, a National Historic Landmark comprising the park's former headquarters.
- The Longmire Cabin.
- Three comfort stations: L-302, L-303, and L-305.
The Origins of Longmire
The story of Longmire begins with James Longmire's discovery of mineral hot springs north of Bear Prairie in 1883, following his ascent of Mt. Rainier with George Bayley and Philemon Van Trump. Recognizing the potential of the area, Longmire claimed the tract, which became known as Longmire Springs. In 1884, he created a path branching off the Yelm-Bear Prairie Road, originally blazed in 1861 with William Packwood, to provide access to the springs.
Early Tourism and Development
By the late 1890s, Longmire Springs attracted approximately 500 visitors each summer. Arriving by train to Ashford, they would travel along Longmire's wagon trail to enjoy the mineral springs and the stunning views of Mount Rainier. In 1890, Longmire constructed a five-room hotel, later expanded to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
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Competition and Change
The early 1900s brought competition to Longmire. In 1906, the Tacoma and Eastern Railroad established the original National Park Inn at Longmire, a three-story building with accommodation for 60 guests. This development strained relations between the Longmire family and the National Park administration.
From Family Business to Corporate Concession
The Longmire family, facing increasing pressure from the park to improve their facilities, leased their property to the newly formed Longmire Springs Hotel Company in 1916, after Elcaine's death in 1915. The new operators built an additional hotel structure and 16 wood-frame cabins.
The Rise of the Rainier National Park Company
Under the leadership of Steven T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, a policy favoring regulated monopolies over competing concessioners was implemented. Over time, the National Park Service worked to consolidate operations, ultimately leading the Rainier National Park Company to become the sole concessionaire in the park. In 1919, the Rainier National Park Company purchased the Longmire family buildings and secured a 20-year lease on their private inholding for $12,000.
The National Park Inn and Annex
In 1920, the Rainier National Park Company moved the 1916 Longmire Springs Hotel structure next to the National Park Inn, renaming it the National Park Inn Annex. However, with the opening of the road to Paradise and the Paradise Inn, Longmire's hotels became less profitable.
The Medicinal Water Controversy
The Rainier National Park Company attempted to promote Longmire by touting the medicinal properties of the spring water. However, a study by the Bureau of Chemistry's Hygienic Lab debunked these claims, leading the National Park Service to prohibit the company from making false claims about the waters.
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The Administration Center and Development Plan
As visitor numbers increased in the 1910s, the Park Service relocated the administration center from the Nisqually area to Longmire. In 1916, the community kitchen was built, which now serves as the library.
The 1927 Development Plan
In 1927, the Landscape Engineering Division of the National Park Service San Francisco office developed a plan to create "a sense of order" in the Longmire Plaza area. This plan led to the construction of three significant buildings:
- The Community Building (1927): An example of early National Park Service Rustic style, showcasing the use of pairs of columns and natural minerals.
- The Administration Building (1928): Considered the most architecturally significant building of the period, featuring a heavy masonry first floor and timber second story, influenced by the 1924 administration building at Yosemite.
- The Service Station (1929): The last of these three buildings, completing the planned development.
The Modern Longmire
The original National Park Inn was destroyed by fire in 1926, leaving only the National Park Inn Annex, which continues to operate as the National Park Inn.
The Pineapple Express Rainstorm
Longmire, along with Paradise, suffered significant damage during the November 6, 2006 Pineapple Express rainstorm, which brought 18 inches (457 mm) of rain in a 36-hour period, causing extensive flooding and road closures.
Year-Round Destination
Longmire experiences warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Despite the challenges of the environment, Longmire remains a year-round destination, offering visitors a range of activities and attractions.
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The Longmire Museum
The Longmire Museum, housed in the original 1916 headquarters building, tells the story of the park's early days. It showcases exhibits on geology, wildlife, and the history of park exploration and settlement. The museum also features a small gift shop and provides information and assistance from park rangers.
A Historical Exhibit in Itself
The museum building itself is a historical exhibit. In 1928, the park superintendent intended to demolish it, but Chief Naturalist C. Frank Brockman convinced him to save it for a museum. The structure was moved to its current location in 1978.
Visiting the Museum
The Longmire Museum is open year-round and is a convenient stop for visitors entering the park through the Nisqually Entrance. It provides an opportunity to learn about the park's history, stretch your legs, and get oriented before exploring further.
Exploring Longmire
Longmire offers various trails and activities for visitors:
- Trail of the Shadows (0.7 miles): A loop trail around Longmire Meadow, featuring mineral springs and information about the Longmire family and early park settlers.
- Eagle Peak Trail (7 miles roundtrip): A steep climb through old-growth forest with views of Mount Rainier, Nisqually Glacier, and the Tatoosh Range.
- Rampart Ridge Trail (4.6 miles roundtrip): A climb through a forested slope to a viewpoint overlooking Longmire and the Nisqually River.
- Wonderland Trail: Longmire serves as a starting/ending point or waypoint for backpackers on the Wonderland Trail.
The Nisqually Suspension Bridge
Located within the Longmire Historic District, the Nisqually Suspension Bridge is one of the oldest such spans in the National Park System. Originally built for foot traffic in 1911 and rebuilt for automobiles in 1924, the bridge has been rebuilt twice, in 1952 and 2005.
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