Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Population: 46,827
Area: 2,178 square miles
County Seat: Colfax
OVERVIEW
Whitman county, located at the southwestern part of Washington State, and occupying the land territory of 2,159.09 sq.mi, takes the 10th place in the list of largest (in size) Washington State counties.
It borders on 10 different counties, seven of which are Washington counties, and three – Idaho counties.
Whitman County is an agricultural area. It is number one county in production of wheat in Washington State and number to wheat producer in the US. Barley, lentils and dry peas are among other crops grown here.
Whitman County is a home for Washington State University, located in Pullman, which is currently the largest employer in the county and the largest economic asset.
Located on the rolling hills of Palouse River and its creeks, Whitman County may boast of its beautiful landscape and numerous recreation possibilities. This place offers its visitors the peace and quietude of the country life.
HISTORY
Whitman County was created in 1871 by separating some land territory from Stevens County.
The name was given to the county to honor Markus Whitman, who was one of the first missionaries at the territory of future Whitman County, and in 1847 was killed together with his wife by people from Cayuse tribe.
The growth of the county and development of its economics started with the appearance of four railway lines at the second part of the 19th century.
COUNTY SEAT
Colfax is the county seat of Whitman county.
The area of Colfax used to be inhabited by Sahaptin-speaking Native Americans, among which was Nez Perce Tribe. The first non-Indian people settling in this area were James Perkins and Thomas Smith, who came there in 1870. Their aim was to build a mill on a bank of the Palouse River.
Soon Smith moved from the area, and Perkins built a house there, starting a settlement which he first called “Belleville”, but later changed the name into Colfax to honor Schuyler Colfax - a vice-president of the president Ulysses Grant. The settlement started growing fast turning into a prosperous town.
In 1873 the town was officially incorporated. Nowadays, with the population of 2,845 people, Colfax is not the biggest city of the county, giving way to Pullman with its population of almost 30,000 people.
ATTRACTIONS
Palouse Falls State Park
Palouse Falls State Park was created in the Palouse area. The main feature of this 105 acres park is the fascinating Palouse Falls, which are almost 200 feet waterfalls located on the Palouse River. A short trail leads the visitors to an overlook with the breathtaking views of the waterfalls.
The park also has a great geological and historical value.
There are also camping and picnic facilities at the park. Palouse Falls State Park is a just a fantastic place for wildlife viewing.
Kamiak Butte County Park
Kamiak Butte County Park is a forested area located on the northern hill of Kamiak Butte. The park offers miles of hiking trails, 7 campsites with picnic tables and campfire pits, a playground for kids and several shelters available for reservation. The best-known attraction of this park is 3,5 mile Pine Ridge Trail, leading to the top of the ridge, where the fantastic views of Palouse area open in front of the hikers.
Boyer Park and Marina
Located approximately 20 miles from Pullman, the 140 acres park stretches on the banks of picturesque Snake River.
The park offers fantastic options for summer recreation: boating, swimming, fishing or just picnicking. It has campsites, boat launch, a great swimming area and RV park.
This is a great place for a family rest, or for just a walk during a hot summer day
Information: Svetlana Baranova
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