Lewis and Clark Trail-Travois Road
5 mi. E of Pomeroy, U.S. 12, Pomeroy, WA Local significance of the site: Exploration/settlement
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- 1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
- 1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
- 1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
- 1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
- 1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Skagit River in northwestern Washington is home to one of the largest wintering bald eagle populations in the continental United States, with up to 400 eagles gathering there during the peak of the season.
About Garfield County
Garfield County Timeline
Garfield County, located in the southeastern part of the state of Washington, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Palouse, who relied on the land for hunting, gathering, and farming. European exploration in the 18th and 19th centuries brought trappers and fur traders to the region.
In the late 19th century, the discovery of gold and silver in the area led to an influx of miners and settlers. The town of Pomeroy, founded in 1878, became the county seat and the economic hub of the region. The mining industry brought prosperity and growth to Garfield County. However, as the mines became depleted, the population declined, and the economy shifted toward agriculture.
Agriculture has been a primary industry in Garfield County since the early 20th century. The fertile soil and favorable climate proved ideal for producing wheat, barley, and other crops. Farmers adopted modern farming techniques and machinery, leading to increased productivity. The county's agricultural heritage is still evident today, with vast fields stretching across the landscape.
In recent years, Garfield County has faced challenges due to a declining population and changes in the agricultural industry. Efforts have been made to diversify the local economy and attract new businesses. The county continues to be a close-knit community, with residents working together to preserve their history and promote the county's unique heritage. Garfield County's past and present are intertwined, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its people.
In the late 19th century, the discovery of gold and silver in the area led to an influx of miners and settlers. The town of Pomeroy, founded in 1878, became the county seat and the economic hub of the region. The mining industry brought prosperity and growth to Garfield County. However, as the mines became depleted, the population declined, and the economy shifted toward agriculture.
Agriculture has been a primary industry in Garfield County since the early 20th century. The fertile soil and favorable climate proved ideal for producing wheat, barley, and other crops. Farmers adopted modern farming techniques and machinery, leading to increased productivity. The county's agricultural heritage is still evident today, with vast fields stretching across the landscape.
In recent years, Garfield County has faced challenges due to a declining population and changes in the agricultural industry. Efforts have been made to diversify the local economy and attract new businesses. The county continues to be a close-knit community, with residents working together to preserve their history and promote the county's unique heritage. Garfield County's past and present are intertwined, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its people.
Garfield County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Garfield County, Washington.
- 1879 - Garfield County is established on November 29, named after President James A. Garfield.
- 1881 - Pomeroy becomes the county seat.
- 1900 - The population of Garfield County reaches its peak at 7,080.
- 1934 - The Great Depression causes significant economic hardship in the county.
- 1956 - The Central Ferry Bridge is completed, connecting Garfield County to Whitman County.
- 1990 - The population of Garfield County declines to 2,392.
- 1998 - The Guardian of the Gulch statue is erected in Pomeroy to commemorate the county's mining history.
- 2002 - The Garfield County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.