Ritzville High School
a.k.a. Old Ritzville High School
7th Ave., between Columbia and Division Sts., Ritzville, WAFrom its position in a residential neighborhood slightly elevated above the business quarter of the town, the Old Ritzville High School commands views of the central business district and seemingly unending grain fields beyond. While the width and breadth of the skyline reduces all things man-made to insignificant proportions, the school building is immense in comparison to other structures in town, with exceptions being the newer high school and the towering grain storage elevators near the railroad tracks crossing the center of the city. While the school seems disproportionately large for the town, the structure's impressive size reflects the wealth and bounty of the land and the population it supported in the early years of the twentieth century. The Old Ritzville High School clearly illustrates, through distinctive characteristics, the pattern of features common to schoolhouses dating to the 1920s. From its "Collegiate Gothic" style to the materials used on its exterior, the building represents a type, period, and method of construction found in countless other educational structures of its day. Designed by George M. Rasque, the school was one of the noted architect's first of many such facilities, numerous of which reflected this earlier precedent in appearance and structural functionalism.
Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
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.
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.
Adams County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.