Compared to the hardships experienced during the 30s, World War II created new jobs, new industry, and brought economic growth to Cowlitz County. Local industries increased production to meet wartime needs. Reynolds Metals Company entered the manufacturing scene by building an aluminum plant. Port docks were busy with exports of government issued lend-lease war materials for Russia and Great Britain.
1941
December 7, 1941 - Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II.
Reynolds Metals Company chose Longview for an aluminum plant, based on the abundance of cheap hydroelectric power. Production began in time to meet wartime defense needs. After December 1941, all of Longview's industries became defense plants and ran night and day for the war effort.
1942
The Port of Longview became the main supply base for lend-lease shipping to Russia. Every week, three to four full shiploads of government issued war equipment and materials were exported across Port docks to Russia and Great Britain.
Fifty-thousand flatcars and components for the construction of three complete oil refineries were shipped through the Port.
War shipping agencies reported that 650,000 tons of cargo left Longview docks on ships or barges. Each vessel carried about 7,000 tons at an average value of $4.5 million per load. Shipments included military equipment, war materials, food and supplies, tanks, aluminum, magnesium ingots, locomotives and railroad cars.
Ninety percent of the wood products from Weyerhaeuser supplied the war effort.
Longview Fibre Company stepped up its manufacturing of kraft paper strong enough for shipping flour, sugar, stock feed, fertilizer and other war supplies.
1943
Harvey Hart became general manager of the Port.
The Port constructed a new dock to accommodate increased lend-lease and military supply shipments.
1945
President Truman announced the surrender of Japan, and the end of World War II.
1946
A joint Longview-Kelso / Cowlitz County airport commission became a community project.
1948
Longview celebrated its 25th anniversary.
A spring flood on the Columbia River caused millions of dollars of damage to Cowlitz County, destroying crops, shattering homes and halting industry and business. The dikes around Longview, Kelso and Willow Grove held, thanks to the efforts of a determined community.
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