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Kittitas, WA
Kittitas, Washington, a small town in the Kittitas Valley, was established in the 1870s. The area was originally home to the Kittitas band of the Yakama Nation, who lived along the Yakima River, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering. The town’s name derives from the Native term “Kittitas,” possibly meaning “land of plenty” or “white chalk,” referencing local geological features.
European settlers arrived in the 1860s, drawn by fertile land ideal for agriculture. In 1871, John W. Goller and Charles Splawn founded a trading post, marking the town’s early development. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1886 was pivotal, connecting Kittitas to markets and spurring growth as a shipping hub for hay, grain, and livestock. The town was officially incorporated in 1931.
Kittitas thrived as an agricultural community, with irrigation from the Yakima River supporting crops like alfalfa and wheat. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a steady influx of farmers and ranchers, many of Scandinavian and German descent. The town’s economy centered on farming, with local granges and fairs fostering community ties.
Unlike nearby Ellensburg and Cle Elum, Kittitas remained small, avoiding major industrial booms like coal mining. Its quiet, rural character persisted, with a peak population of around 1,100. A notable event was the 1910 construction of the Kittitas Reclamation District, which expanded irrigation, boosting agricultural output.
Today, Kittitas, with a population of about 1,400, retains its agricultural roots. The town hosts community events like the Kittitas County Fair and is near recreational areas in the Cascades. Historic buildings, such as the old schoolhouse, reflect its pioneer past. Kittitas remains a tight-knit community, embracing its heritage while supporting modern farming and small businesses.
