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Selah, WA
Selah, Washington, located in the Yakima Valley, was established in the late 19th century. The area was originally home to the Yakama Nation, who utilized the fertile land along the Yakima River for fishing, hunting, and gathering. The name "Selah," possibly derived from a biblical term meaning "to pause" or a Native word, was chosen by settlers.
In 1871, the arrival of settlers like John W. Beck marked the town’s early development. The Northern Pacific Railway’s extension in 1884 spurred growth, connecting Selah to markets and making it a hub for agriculture. The town’s fertile soil, aided by irrigation from the Yakima River, supported orchards, particularly apples, which became a cornerstone of the economy. Selah was officially incorporated in 1919.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw an influx of farmers, many of German and Scandinavian descent, drawn by the promise of fertile land. By the 1920s, Selah’s fruit industry flourished, with packing houses and canneries processing apples, pears, and cherries. The Selah-Moxee Irrigation Canal, completed in 1907, expanded agricultural output, solidifying the town’s role as an orchard center.
Selah weathered economic challenges, including the Great Depression, by relying on its agricultural base. The mid-20th century brought growth in education and infrastructure, with Selah High School becoming a community focal point. The town’s population grew steadily, reaching about 8,000 by the 2020s.
Today, Selah remains an agricultural powerhouse, known for its orchards and fruit stands. Its proximity to Yakima and outdoor recreation in the Cascades supports tourism. Events like the Selah Community Days celebrate its heritage, while historic buildings and the Tree Top fruit processing plant reflect its past and present. Selah’s tight-knit community blends rural charm with modern growth.
