It was their hospitable spirit that gave this tribe the name "Puyallup" which translates to "generous people." The Puyallup Indians had permanent dwelling places along the bank of the broad and meandering Puyallup River, which was choked with massive log jams and prone to frequent floods. The valley floor was a maze of creeks, old growth forest and exotic ferns.
Formation of a City
Puyallup is a scenic place that emerged among hops, succulent berries, and the beautiful flowers of the local bulb farmers. Pioneer hop king and champion of the Oregon Trail, Ezra Meeker, planned the city in 1877, giving it and the river flowing through the fertile valley its unique name. The City of Puyallup was incorporated in 1890, and Meeker served as its first mayor. The livelihood for many local residents during the early years was primarily agriculture.
Ezra Meeker - Founding Father
Ezra Meeker's Homestead -
The Meeker Mansion, at 321 East Pioneer, is well worth a visit. The Mansion was once home to Puyallup's founder and first mayor, Ezra Meeker. Many of the original furnishings are on display and the home is on the National Historic Register. The mansion is owned and operated by the Puyallup Historical Society, and open for tours.