Lake Stevens Washington was first settled in 1886 on a 160-acre homestead along the east shore of the lake. By 1890 the first town in the area, "Ferry," was established. Its name was later changed to "Hartford," and it served as the main link from the famed Monte Cristo timber and mining resources to the world.
In 1905 a railroad spur was built by the Rucker Brothers Timber Company, linking Hartford with Lake Stevens. In 1919, the Rucker Mill, which became known as the "world's largest sawmill," burned and was partially rebuilt. When it burned a second time in 1925 the mill was dismantled and Lake Stevens lost the very industry which caused its founding.
From the 1920's to the 50's Lake Stevens was primarily a resort community, with many public and private resort beaches scattered around the shore. In 1960 Lake Stevens incorporated as a City with a population of 900. By 2000 the City had grown to a population of 6,361 in approximately 1.8 square miles. The lake remains the focal point of the greater Lake Stevens Washington.
Bob Chapman, Associate Broker 
