National Register Listings in Chelan County, Washington
Black Warrior Mine
Blewett Arrastra
Bridge Creek Cabin-Ranger Station
Bridge Creek Shelter
Brown’s First Addition Historic District
Buckner Cabin
Buckner Homestead Historic District
Burbank Homestead Waterwheel
Chatter Creek Guard Station
Chelan Butte Lookout
Columbia River Bridge
Columbia River Bridge at Wenatchee
Cottage Avenue Historic District
Courtney Cabin
Downtown Wenatchee Historic District
Flick Creek Shelter
Golden West Lodge Historic District
High Bridge Ranger Station Historic District
High Bridge Shelter
Horan, Michael, House
Lake Chelan Hydroelectric Power Plant
Lake Wenatchee Residence No. 1200
Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
Leavenworth Ranger Station
Leavenworth Ski Hill Historic District
Lord, Richard Hinton, House
Lucas Homestead
Lucerne Guard Station
Miller, George, House
Penstock Bridge
Purple Point-Stehekin Ranger Station House
Rock Island Railroad Bridge
Ruby Theater
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
Stehekin School
Steliko Ranger Station
Stevens Pass Guard Station
Sugarloaf Peak Lookout
Sulphide-Frisco Cabin
Tyee Mountain Lookout
U.S. Post Office and Annex
Wells House
Wenatchee Carnegie Library
Wenatchee Fire Station #1
West Monitor Bridge
About Chelan County
Chelan County Timeline
Chelan County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wenatchi and Chelan tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the region's natural resources for sustenance.
The first European explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with fur traders and gold prospectors venturing into the area. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in the region led to a significant influx of miners and settlers, marking the start of Chelan County's development.
As the gold rush faded, the economy shifted towards agriculture and timber industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fruit orchards, particularly apple and cherry farms, thrived in the area's fertile valleys, contributing to the county's economic growth.
In the early 20th century, the completion of the Great Northern Railway and the construction of the Rocky Reach Dam brought further development and accessibility to the county. The dam, built on the Columbia River, helped to provide a reliable source of hydroelectric power and facilitated irrigation for the region's agricultural activities.
Today, Chelan County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Cascade Mountains dominating the landscape and the Lake Chelan attracting tourists from around the world. The county has continued to evolve, with a diverse economy encompassing various industries, including tourism, agriculture, and technology. Throughout its history, Chelan County has remained a vibrant and dynamic region, offering a blend of natural wonders and economic opportunities.
The first European explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with fur traders and gold prospectors venturing into the area. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in the region led to a significant influx of miners and settlers, marking the start of Chelan County's development.
As the gold rush faded, the economy shifted towards agriculture and timber industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fruit orchards, particularly apple and cherry farms, thrived in the area's fertile valleys, contributing to the county's economic growth.
In the early 20th century, the completion of the Great Northern Railway and the construction of the Rocky Reach Dam brought further development and accessibility to the county. The dam, built on the Columbia River, helped to provide a reliable source of hydroelectric power and facilitated irrigation for the region's agricultural activities.
Today, Chelan County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Cascade Mountains dominating the landscape and the Lake Chelan attracting tourists from around the world. The county has continued to evolve, with a diverse economy encompassing various industries, including tourism, agriculture, and technology. Throughout its history, Chelan County has remained a vibrant and dynamic region, offering a blend of natural wonders and economic opportunities.
Chelan County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Chelan County, Washington.
- 1841: The first recorded exploration of the Chelan County area by fur traders.
- 1870: The Wenatchee Valley is opened for settlement, attracting miners and homesteaders.
- 1889: Chelan County is officially established as a county of Washington Territory.
- 1890: The Great Northern Railway reaches the Wenatchee area, spurring further growth.
- 1892: The city of Wenatchee is incorporated.
- 1928: Completion of the Columbia River Bridge connects Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.
- 1951: Construction of the Rocky Reach Dam begins, providing hydroelectric power.
- 1961: Completion of the Rocky Reach Dam, boosting the local economy.
- 1964: The Wenatchee Valley College is founded, offering higher education opportunities.
- 2001: The Mission Ridge Ski Area celebrates its 35th anniversary.