Sumas, Washington
|
|
Sumas is a city located in Whatcom County, Washington. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 960 humans.
| Contents |
History
Sumas was officially incorporated on June 18, 1891. Established first as a trading post in the late 1850's, it grew in size and importance as the junction of 3 railroads and a border crossing into Canada. The name, Sumas, comes from a tribal word for "land without trees". The broad valley in which Sumas is located is still called Sumas Prairie. Before settlers built canals and dams, the upper valley was marshy and covered in shallow flood filled lakes. The abundance of large trees in the surrounding hills attracted loggers and helped the city grow. In 1897, gold was discovered in the mountains nearby and Sumas quickly grew to more than 2000 residents as gold miners and mining suppliers moved in. After the trees were cleared and the gold rush subsided, the town began to shrink and businesses shifted to support the growing farming industry surrounding the town. Dairy farms sprouted in the valley and still play an important role in the area's economy. The farmers, many of Dutch origin, and area towns further tamed the flood prone valley with a series dikes and channels. Today, Sumas hosts several forest products businesses as well as support for farms in the surrounding area. See the town's website for additional information and a more [1] (http://cityofsumas.homestead.com/history.html) colorful description of its history.
Geography
WAMap-doton-Sumas.png
Location of Sumas, Washington
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.6 km² (1.4 mi²). 3.6 km² (1.4 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 960 people, 346 households, and 235 families residing in the city. The population density is 264.8/km² (687.5/mi²). There are 401 housing units at an average density of 110.6/km² (287.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 86.15% White, 0.00% African American, 3.23% Native American, 4.17% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 4.79% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. 7.81% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 346 households out of which 39.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% are married couples living together, 11.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% are non-families. 26.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.77 and the average family size is 3.42.
In the city the population is spread out with 35.0% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 100.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $29,297, and the median income for a family is $36,250. Males have a median income of $30,227 versus $20,268 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,497. 18.0% of the population and 13.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 23.1% of those under the age of 18 and 14.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Sumas is under scrutiny from Washington and British Columbian residents because of a proposed power plant Sumas 2 which would pollute the area, and the British Columbian Fraser Valley area.
External links
Sumas is a small town on the other side of Abbotsford, British Columbia. It also holds the world record for the most gas stations in a mile length of road (Cherry Street). Unfortunately, of the 8 gas stations built, 3 are in operation due to the low Canadian dollar in the late 1990s.
Bars were also a big thing in Sumas, with 6 built. However, also due to the low Canadian dollar in the 1990s, only 3 are in operation.
Since the town is located on the Canadian border, we are well protected by the Department of Homeland Security. Their border patrolmen, (who are bored out of their minds) protect us from 'mighty' Canada. If the drug dealers ever attack, they'll be ready.
The town holds two holidays. Sumas Day, which is on the last Saturday of June, usually sees a parade down Cherry Street, with the Abbotsford Fire Department always invited. After that, there are events in the City Park. At night, fireworks light up the sky, and scare the dairy cows.
The other holiday that Sumas participates in is the Show & Shine. In its prime, close to 200 cars were registered. Classic cars participated in the day-long event, in which proud owners showed their babies to the public.
Sumas is serviced by the Nooksack Valley School District, (http://www.nooksackschools.org) the Whatcom County Fire District 14, (http://www.wcfd14.org) and the Sumas Police Department. (http://www.sumaspolice.com)