Nakashima Heritage Barn

In a rural area off Route 9 in Snohomish County, Washington, there is a lovely trailhead and greenway waiting to be explored. But it’s more than just a place to hike and enjoy nature; it also holds a piece of American history: the legacy of Kamezo and Miye Nakashima.

The Nakashimas were among the earliest Japanese farmers in the area. Setting in the scenic Pacific Northwest, they operated a dairy farm until 1942, when, like many other Asian Americans, they were forcibly placed in an internment camp during World War II.

In 1997, Trust for Public Land helped purchase the farmland and its prominent red barn, which is on the state’s heritage barn register—the first and only belonging to an Asian American farming family. Situated at the head of the Snohomish County Centennial Trail, the site is now a park.

Today, as you walk or ride a bike along the path, you can stop and pay witness to the red barn that still stands, as well as a “history quilt” with photos of the farm and area throughout the years. More historical background is offered along the trail, providing opportunities for education, reflection, and remembrance—all in a beautiful setting.