Mount Vernon, Washington nestles along the
Skagit River in the western coastal portion of
Washington State. Mount Vernon hosts the County Commission style of
Government as the County seat for
Skagit County Washington. The first settlement at what is now Mount Vernon
began in 1870, with
Jasper Gates and Joseph Dwelley, as the first settlers in the area. Named
for George Washington’s plantation estate, the area was
incorporated into Mt. Vernon in 1893.
Mt. Vernon had the distinction in 1998 to be voted the
#1 "Best Small City in America". Its population was 26,232 as of the
2000 census,
with the largest subgroup being Hispanics/Latinos making up over 25% of the
total population irregardless of race. The median income for a household in the
city of Mount Vernon was $37,999, and the median income for a family was
$44,772.
Mount Vernon School District is a growing and diverse system that serves
5,700 students attending 10 schools, grades kindergarten-12; Six elementary
schools, (K-6); Two middle schools, (7-8); High school, (9-12); and a Home
school center (K-12). The District is committed to success for all students and
provides a wide range of high quality instructional programs and extended
learning opportunities for its students. Enrichment opportunities go beyond
basic instruction and include an Artist in Residence program, Missoula
Children's Theater:
Pacific Science
Center's Science On Wheels Program, Music, athletics, field trips, student
government and leadership/service projects. While not actually in Mount Vernon,
Skagit Valley College offers a health & fitness technician training,
business & community development classes and a full four year Bachelor’s degree
program at the
Everett campus location.
Flooding is a predictable problem for the residents of Mount Vernon,
especially the
downtown area bordering the
Skagit River. A state-of-the-art commercially built and portable flood wall
called an
AquaFence, was purchased early in 2007 as an alternative to the six block
long sandbag wall that citizens would gather to erect when heavy rains were
forecast for the
Cascade Mountain range. A permanent solution is being sought that will not
only protect but enhance the waterfront's commercial potential.
Mountain Trails and camping opportunities abound in and around Mount Vernon
with a dozen campgrounds within 12 miles of the city and a dozen nature and
wilderness trails in Skagit and Snohomish counties alone. Skiing and white water
rafting are equally provided for in this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise of the
Pacific Northwest. On a warmer note, Mount Vernon is know for Tulip
production second only to Holland itself. An annual
Tulip Festival and Street Fair highlights Mount Vernon's accomplishment in
this area of horticulture.
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