Historic Borst Home Museum

Historic Borst Home Museum Historic Home of Borst Family - Now a museum In 1854 Joseph Borst married sixteen-year-old Mary Adeline Roundtree. It was said Ulysses S.

Her family had come west from Illinois in 1852 to settle in Oregon Country. Joseph and Mary started their life together in a small cabin on Joseph’s farm. When a war broke out in 1855, with some local Indians, the Borsts and many other settlers moved into quarters in the stockade at Fort Hennes, a local fort that has since been destroyed. After the war, the Borsts returned to their land and moved

into the blockhouse that had been built during the war. Around 1860 or before (the exact year is not known), Joseph Borst started construction on the house Mary wanted so badly. Some say the house was built for Mary because of the numerous times the family had to move and the harsh conditions under which she had to live. Others say it was because of a promise Joseph had made in order to get her to marry him. Whatever the reason, the house was built and its construction took two years. This is the Borst Home that still stands, over one-hundred and twenty years later. More than a century ago residents of the area took pride in the stately white mansion which stood on the banks of the Chehalis River near Centralia. Grant had once stopped to visit there. The great white house with green shutters and a balcony, built in the early 1860s, was the pioneer home of Joseph Borst. It was considered to be the finest house between Forts Steilacoom and Vancouver. At the time, Borst said the house and barn were so well built they would last for 80 years. Approximately 150 years later, the house is still standing and shows every indication of remaining there for another 100 years.

Our docent welcoming visitors. The "Buick Club" made a point to visit while they were cruising through. Fun group!
05/10/2026

Our docent welcoming visitors. The "Buick Club" made a point to visit while they were cruising through. Fun group!

11/24/2025

Happy Christmas at Borst Museum site.
Saturday, December 6th, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
In One Room Schoolhouse & Pioneer Church
Celebrate Christmas 1940's in Schoolhouse
& Victorian in Pioneer Church.

We welcomed Helen Sanders, her grandson Brian, author Sandy Crowell on Saturday 9 August 2025 for recognizing Helen as W...
08/17/2025

We welcomed Helen Sanders, her grandson Brian, author Sandy Crowell on Saturday 9 August 2025 for recognizing Helen as Women in American History and Sandy for Community Service Award.

Your favorite ladies of Our History will be at Tenino Oregon Trail Days Fri, Sat & Sun (July 25, 26 & 27, 2025). Stop ...
07/22/2025

Your favorite ladies of Our History will be at Tenino Oregon Trail Days Fri, Sat & Sun (July 25, 26 & 27, 2025). Stop by and learn more about what's happening to celebrate our historical roots. See if you have a Patriot or ancestors in the line of keeping our flag waiving over the past 250 years. Hands on activities for children. Beverly York

07/13/2025
Saturday, 9 August we welcome Helen Sanders and Sandy Crowell to honor them with Special Awards from Daughters of the Am...
07/07/2025

Saturday, 9 August we welcome Helen Sanders and Sandy Crowell to honor them with Special Awards from Daughters of the American Revolution. Helen Sanders for Woman in American History for her lifetime achievements.
Sandra Crowell for Community Service Award for her writing of northwest history. Talk at 2 pm. Open House: 1:30 - 3:30 pm.

06/16/2025

We are open on Friday 4th of July
10 am til 2 pm.

01/23/2025

We are meeting today at 1 pm to set up our 2025 Event Schedule. Stay tuned ...

Volunteers needed ... Centralia, WA Saturday!
12/10/2024

Volunteers needed ... Centralia, WA Saturday!

Help us bring the Magic to Life!

The Lighted Tractor Parade is one of the most beloved holiday traditions, and we’re looking for volunteers to help make this year’s event truly unforgettable!

Whether it’s helping with setup, guiding the crowd, or supporting our participants, there’s a role for everyone to get involved and make a difference in our community.

December 14
Flexible volunteer time

Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with neighbors, give back, and share in the holiday spirit.

Address

Pioneer Road
Centralia, WA
98531

Telephone

(360) 330-7662

Website

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