Skagit’s first refinery now operated by Marathon

It was 67 years ago when company executives in New York determined that Shell Oil Company should increase its investment in the rapidly growing Pacific Northwest region. There have been many exciting chapters in the story of this community’s first refinery, operational since 1955 and now owned by Marathon Petroleum. This plant’s contributions to the community in terms of taxes, wages and expenditures for local services and supplies have been vital to the regional economy. Just as important, members of the refinery family have contributed in significant ways to their respective communities. Photographs here from the 1953-1955 era include images of plant construction, as well as a handful of community leaders from that era. (Photos from Marathon Refinery archives)