Centralia in Lewis County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Borst House
History of Borst Park
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 26, 2025
1. Joseph Borst House Marker
In 1856, Joseph built the Blockhouse, a structure used by soldiers to provide grain for their horses, which was later purchased by him. While residing there, Mary gave birth to two more children, Ada on March 7th, 1857, and Harbine on November 7th, 1859. In 1915, when the river altered its course, the Blockhouse was relocated to Borst Park.
Unfortunately, the barn was damaged and dismantled in the 1962 October Day Storm. Boards from that iconic structure were repurposed to build the Carriage House, which is now a Hands-On Museum for all to explore and enjoy.
Following Mary Borst's passing, her youngest son, Allen, and his family resided in the Borst Home until Allen's death in 1935. The city acquired the property in 1942, and for a period, the Director of the Centralia Parks and Recreation Department lived there before turning it into the Borst Museum in 1985.
2nd Plaque
Registered National Historic Place, Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Joseph
this page online
Erected by State of Washington and City of Centralia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 46° 43.183′ N, 122° 59.009′ W. Marker is in Centralia, Washington, in Lewis County. It is on Pioneer Way 0.1 miles east of Bryden Ave. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Pioneer Way, Centralia WA 98531, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Washington State. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Oregon Trail (a few steps from this marker); George Washington (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Oregon Trail (approx. 4.9 miles away); Claquato (approx. 5.4 miles away); Claquato Pioneer Fir (approx. 5.4 miles away); Claquato Church (approx. 5.6 miles away); The Old Oregon Trail (approx. 5.6 miles away); Great Northern Railway: Caboose Restoration (approx. 11.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centralia.
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 26, 2025
2. Registered National Historic Place Marker
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 26, 2025
3. Joseph Borst House
Marker is in front of the house on the right.
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 26, 2025
4. 1850s Borst Blockhouse
On the other side of the park. In front is a state heritage marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2025, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2025, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
