Burroughs, Dr. Frank R., House

408 Main St., Ritzville, WA
Home of the town's most prominent physician, the Dr. Frank R. Burroughs House was built in a time of great prosperity and expansion in Ritzville and Adams County. Vacant from the late 1940's until the present, the house has remained virtually unchanged since 1902.

The Great American Desert disappeared suddenly in the last part of the 19th century with the formal ending of the frontier in 1890 and the westward expansion of the railroads. Farmers found that the semi-arid interior of the nation was the finest wheat land in the world. By 1889, when Frank Burroughs arrived in Ritzville, farmers there had learned the technique of producing crops on dry land. By 1900 most farmers in Adams County were rotating crops in order to retain moisture in the fields. The county's first bumper wheat crop was produced in 1897. Ritzville was proclaimed in 1902, "the largest primary shipper of wheat and flour of any point in the world," although during later years the railroad developed stations at other points in Adams County which ended this distinction. Ritzville remained one of the most prosperous agricultural communities in the West until the Great Depression.

In 1888 a young doctor, Frank R. Burroughs, from Columbus, Pennsylvania, stepped off a train in Ritzville on his way west. He never boarded the next train to the coast. While the citizens questioned him medically, he discovered the business possibilities of this barren little town without a competing physician. Burroughs remained in Ritzville for the rest of his life.

Born in Columbus, Pennsylvania in 1859, Frank Burroughs studied at Allegheny College, Meadeville, Pennsylvania. He completed his medical degree at the University of Buffalo. Practicing for five years in Columbus, he moved west in 1888. Burroughs was in many ways the father of Ritzville. While others named it, and still others made fortunes from it, the doctor healed its sick and delivered its children. He served it as councilman, mayor and postmaster. He was also usually the Adams County health officer. During World War I, Burroughs was draft board member. He was one of the founding members of the Masonic and Eastern Star Lodges in Ritzville as well.

Burroughs had an office but he opened his home to patients. His bags, pills and instruments still cover the table in his study; unchanged by his widow in the 20 years following his death. The doctor was active until a cerebral hemorrhage struck while at his office. He died January 28, 1925 without regaining consciousness.
When Dr. Burroughs first built in 1889, his house was small and simple. With the prosperity of 1902, he remodeled in a grander fashion, adding the upstairs and veranda at a cost of $4,000.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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.

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The Hanford Site, located in southeastern Washington, was a major production facility for nuclear weapons during World War II and the Cold War. Today, it is the most contaminated nuclear site in the United States and is undergoing a massive cleanup effort.
Adams County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Palouse, Nez Perce, and Spokane. These tribes thrived on the fertile land and relied on agriculture, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood.

European settlers arrived in the 1800s, attracted by the fertile soil and the potential for farming. The area became a destination for homesteaders, who quickly established towns and communities. Adams County was officially established in 1883 and named after the second President of the United States, John Adams.

A significant event in the county's history was the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. The railway brought increased connectivity and transportation opportunities, allowing for the growth of commerce and trade. This led to the development of new industries such as wheat farming and flour milling, which became major economic contributors to the county.

Over the years, Adams County has faced challenges such as droughts, economic downturns, and the Great Depression. However, the resilient community persevered, adapting to changing times and embracing new opportunities. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural hub, with crops such as wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets being major contributors to its economy. The county also boasts stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adams County, Washington.

  • 1879 - Adams County is organized by a legislative act on November 28th.
  • 1883 - The county seat is established in Ritzville.
  • 1889 - Adams County becomes a part of the newly admitted state of Washington.
  • 1905 - The Othello Irrigation District is formed, leading to agricultural development in the region.
  • 1945 - The Hanford Site, a nuclear production complex, is established in southwestern Adams County.
  • 1989 - The Adams County Historical Society is founded to preserve and share the history of the region.