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Communities

Communities of Puyallup, Sumner & South Hill

The Community at a Glance

The communities of Puyallup, Sumner & South Hill offer a wealth of natural beauty and easy living.

Sumner

Sumner was settled in 1853 when a wagon train crossed over the Cascade Mountains through Naches Pass. In some places the mountains were so steep it was necessary to lower the wagons over cliffs. At the junction of the Puyallup River and the Stuck Creek (now known as the White River), in a fertile river valley, Sumner became an agricultural community. Major crops included daffodils, rhubarb, hops, berries, vegetables and turf grasses.

In 1873, George Ryan came west from Wisconsin, purchased 40 acres from Laura Kincaid Seaman, and raised fruit, vegetables and hops. He owned a saw mill built a big section of the business district, and helped establish a railroad depot. In 1883, the town was platted on 160 acres owned by John Kincaid.

The establishment of the Northern Pacific Railroad line through the Sumner area, and the construction of the depot, greatly influenced the development of the community. The downtown and core residential area developed within a 15-minute walk from the depot. With 127 registered voters, and a majority vote, the town of Sumner incorporated in 1891. George Ryan was elected the first mayor.

Reporting a population of 538 in 1900, Sumner has grown to about 9,800 and covers an area of approximately six square miles. Agriculture remains important to the local economy, along with food manufacturing, wood product production, and warehousing and distribution.

Puyallup

Puyallup covers an area of approximately 11 square miles and has a population of 35,690. Puyallup is known as The Land of Daffodils, and was incorporated on August 19, 1890 by well-known pioneer Ezra Meeker.

The name Puyallup comes from the local Puyallup Indians and means The Land of Generous People. Puyallup is also the home of the Western Washington Fair, which has been held each fall since 1900. The fair is ranked the sixth largest in the country, with over one million visitors attending each year.

Agriculture has been an economic mainstay of the Puyallup Valley for more than 100 years. From the first Saturday in May through the first Saturday in September, farm-fresh items are sold directly to the public at the Puyallup Main Street Farmers Market. Puyallup is also noted for its production of daffodils, and the annual Daffodil Parade and Festival is an acclaimed event.

The last decade of the 20th century saw rapid growth in the community’s residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The excitement, energy and conveniences of modern development have occurred while Puyallup has maintained the best aspects of its rural heritage and quality of life. 

South Hill of Puyallup

Puyallup’s South Hill is one of the fastest growing areas of Pierce County and the region. The area is well known for its strong quality of life, great schools and safe neighborhoods. South Hill has seen a dramatic increase in retail, housing and business over the past ten years, making it a magnet for young families.

South Hill is situated between the southern city limits of Puyallup to the Graham area. It is home to Thun Field Airport, many public golf courses, an excellent county library, an amphitheater, and numerous parks and play fields.

South Hill is served by the Puyallup School District.

Access:

Puyallup, Sumner & South HIll are located approximately six miles east of Tacoma. Puyallup is served by State Highway 512 and has access to state routes 161, 167 and 410 within a few miles. Interstate 5 is nine miles to the northwest.

Distance from Puyallup & Sumner:

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