These maps show neighborhoods where racial restrictive covenants were imposed in the decades when they were legal. Most restrictions in Cowlitz County date from 1924 to 1950 and covered a substantial percentage of subdivisions developed in that period. We have documented more than 8,000 restricted properties in 62 subdivisions. Do not assume that areas without circles were unrestricted. Neighborhoods without covenants often practiced racial exclusion by other means. And the practice extended throughout the county.
Here we highlight subdivisions. For a more complete view of individual properties go to our Cowltiz parcels map
These are preliminary findings and subject to revision. We are still adding and confirming data. On the map above, do not assume that areas without circles were not restricted. Restrictive covenants were only one of the mechanisms of segregation. Neighborhoods without covenants often practiced racial exclusion by other means.
There is a logic to the geography. Areas platted (subdivided) between 1924 and 1950 were most likely to be restricted. Realtors and developers wrote racial exclusions into the initial documents subdividing a future neighborhood. All properties in the subdivision were thus legally restricted. It was more complicated to restrict older areas. Neighborhood associations sometimes organized petition drives and convinced white homeowners to add racial restriction clauses to their properties.
