National Register Listing

Ritzville Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Carnegie Libraries of Washington TR

Roughly bounded by Broadway, Division St., Railroad Ave., and Washington St., Ritzville, WA
Distinguished by a cohesive group of commercial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Ritzville Historic District is the well preserved business center of Adams County, constructed at a time when the city was the world's greatest wheat entrepot and a booming agricultural trade center. The compact district is characterized by multi-storied brick blocks and smaller shops, with arched fenestration, corbeled cornices, and cast iron storefronts. Nearly all the major landmarks of the period survive--including banks, hotel, mercantile establishments, and the depot--and few non-historic structures intrude on the setting. Although the integrity of individual buildings has been compromised, the general character of the district is intact; its size, scale and nearly all its building stock are retained; and it clearly reflects its historic role as the commercial center of the region.
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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 Olympic National Park, located on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to one of the few temperate rainforests in the world, with over 12 feet of annual rainfall in some areas.
Washington random facts
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.