Our Timeline and Story
The SWIFT Center, former Northern State Hospital campus, is rich with history dating back to the hospital’s opening in 1912. Many Skagit County residents have a connection to the campus. For some, it’s having a family member who lived or worked on campus; for others, they’ve observed the hospital’s historical, economic and social contributions to the local community; while others have simply enjoyed the picturesque nature of the beautiful campus.
The graphic timeline below is a snapshot of significant events on the campus over the last 100+ years. For more history about the hospital, visit the websites for the Sedro-Woolley Historical Museum or the City of Sedro-Woolley.
Northern State Hospital opened.
Hospital served 2,200 patients with a staff of 415.
Northern State Hospital closed.
Campus site management of 225 acres transferred to state Department of Enterprise Services (DES).
Skagit County creates Northern State Recreation Area on approx. 750 acres.
Portion of site added to National Register of Historic Places as a District, including 56 buildings.
DES initiates collaborative planning process with local and state community partners.
Ownership of campus is officially transferred from the State of Washington to the Port of Skagit.
Public access restored to designated outdoor areas of the campus grounds.
Organizations & Relevant Links
