These Towns in Washington Have a Rich Cultural Heritage
The Evergreen State, famed for its breathtaking natural landscapes ranging from snowcapped volcanoes to temperate rainforests, is also home to the vibrant, coffee-loving city of Seattle. However, nestled within Washington's stunning scenery are hidden gems that often go unnoticed – small towns brimming with rich cultural heritage. Did you know that Ellensburg was almost chosen as Washington's state capital in 1889, only to lose this opportunity to a devastating fire? This historical intrigue sets the stage for exploring seven towns that offer a unique glimpse into Washington's past and present. Each town, with its distinct character, contributes significantly to the state's tapestry of history and culture. Join us on a journey to uncover these towns, each a repository of stories waiting to be discovered.
Ellensburg
Founded in the 1870s by early settler John A. Shoudy and named after his wife Mary Ellen, the town of Ellensburg came into existence through a business plan of connecting the remote Yakima country with Seattle to the west. When Washington became a state in 1889, the town was almost the capital until a fire destroyed most of it in the same year.
Visitors coming to Ellensburg are welcomed immediately by its historical appearance of red-brick buildings; some of them, such as the Davidson Building, stand out with their unique design. Set in the scenic Yakima Valley, one can sip local wine in the many wineries or head out to explore the beautiful nature around the area, especially in the summer when hikers make their way to the summit of Baldy Mountain, and anglers try their luck to hook rainbow and cutthroat trout out of the winding Yakima River. Perhaps the most anticipated time of the year here is the Ellensburg Rodeo, held during Labor Day Weekend; it is the largest rodeo in the state and is regarded as one of America's Top 10 Professional Rodeos, a cultural pride of the inhabitants here.
Winthrop
Another town in Washington that honors its Western roots, Winthrop is mainly known for its Wild West character as seen in the many buildings across town; some of them date back to the late 19th century during the era when gold was found in the intersecting rivers of the Methow Valley. The town, along with its intended vintage appearance, has plenty of arts and culture to offer visitors in its galleries and artisan shops, as well as dining establishments, which not too surprisingly include the oldest saloon in all of Washington - Three Fingered Jacks. Winthrop gets more exciting with events, especially when the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival kicks in during summer. Surrounding the town, the rugged natural landscape is designed for hiking and mountain biking; choose from accessible and close-to-town Patterson Mountain to a multi-day trek adventure over the nearby North Cascade Range. In the winter, Winthrop wears the crown of having the largest network of cross-country ski trails in North America, with over 120 miles for the explorers to tackle.
Steilacoom
Located in between the likes of the state capital, Olympia, and the busy port city of Tacoma is Steilacoom, which proudly wears the tag of "Town of Firsts," as it was the earliest place to be incorporated as a town in Washington, followed by several other local "first" achievements. With a history that goes back to the 1850s, Steilacoom has preserved some of the oldest historic residences in the state that remain intact today, along with its Catholic church and a few other buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places list.
Despite being one of the earliest non-Native settlements in Washington, the area was initially inhabited by the eponymous tribe; luckily, this is not disregarded on the town's history page. At the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center and Museum, which is housed in a former congregational church, visitors can learn about the cultural heritage of the people who settled here and around Puget Sound long before the Europeans came in. There are also beautiful parks to check out, such as Pioneer Park and Saltar's Point Park, both facing the picturesque waterfront. Be sure to also dine at the historic Biar Bistro and get a nice cold scoop at Berry Dock Ice Cream Shop, especially on a warm summer day.
Poulsbo
Brightly colored houses, a towering Lutheran church, and a distinct maritime past, Poulsbo is a slice of Scandinavia on the Kitsap Peninsula. This unique characteristic is owed to its founder, Jorgen Eliason, a Norwegian who was in search of a place to settle in the 1880s. Many Scandinavian immigrants were drawn to the area for its landscape, which is similar to their original home, as the location faces Liberty Bay with the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains.
Today's Poulsbo continues to retain its cultural heritage with a lovely downtown that almost resembles something of Norway, filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as bakeries, with Sluys Bakery being the most recommended. One should also pay a visit to the Poulsbo Heritage Museum to further understand this unique characteristic of the community. Even more so are the many events happening throughout the year, from the Norwegian Pancake Breakfast on the first Sunday of every month to the traditions of Julefest held in early December. For such a strong identity, Poulsbo truly lives up to its nickname "Little Norway."
Coupeville
A ferry ride from Port Townsend to the island of Whidbey, followed by a short drive north, you will find the second oldest town in Washington. Settled by farmers and sea captains since the 1850s, Coupeville is within the territory of the Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve, a 17,000-acre protected space of farmlands, beaches, two state parks, and various historical buildings.
The town is defined by its waterfront, where colorful houses lining the wharf were transformed into restaurants, lodges, and independent art galleries like Penn Cove Gallery, where twenty-six local artists have their works on display. For its surrounding marine-rich waters, Coupeville is mainly known for its mussels, and during the Penn Cove Musselfest, one can sample various cooking styles of seafood dishes every first weekend of March. Combined with the natural beauty of the area, which ranges from the distant Olympic Mountains to woodlands teeming with eagles and herons, the town has also been a prime location for filmmaking such as the 1990s cult-classic Practical Magic, starring star actresses Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
Gold Bar
On the foothills of the Cascade Range, this tiny settlement calls itself the gateway to the mountains for those driving from the west on Route 2. First inhabited by indigenous people, the Skykomish Valley was discovered by fur trappers and prospectors in the mid-19th century while surveying the area for a possible route from the town of Snohomish to the gold fields of Eastern Washington. Logging was the earliest industry in the area, but it was the discovery of gold in the river here that made it its best-known association and its current name. Gold Bar today honors its heritage with the Gold Dust Days Festival, a time when visitors can pan for the shiny mineral, scout for local handicrafts, and listen to live music during the last weekend of July. Outside of town, outdoor activities abound, such as whitewater rafting on the Skykomish River and hiking to the spectacular Wallace Falls. There is plenty to keep you occupied in its vicinity.
Roslyn
Similar to Gold Bar, the town of Roslyn is identified by its location next to the Cascade Range, serving as the gateway to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. It is also known for its coal mining past, attracting people across the country and even the world to work in the mines, which significantly helped with the development of the Northern Pacific Railroad and the train network through the mountains. Designated as a National Historic District since 1978, Roslyn has a collection of frontier architecture to impress, as well as a series of historical remains, which include the Brick Tavern, the oldest tavern still in operation in Washington. The Roslyn Museum is an excellent resource for the town's unique history, while those who follow the Coal Mines Trail will discover relics that are almost long forgotten in the eyes of many. Other than the mine shafts and coal sheds that are still visible today, the town recalls its heritage with the Coal Miner's Festival, among many events throughout the year.
Washington's Hidden History
To learn about the rich cultural heritage of Washington, a visit to any of these towns is deemed essential. From the rodeo traditions of Ellensburg to the mining past of Gold Bar, they are a showcase to a part of the state that most people rarely associate it to be. Follow the highway into the Cascade Range or hop on a ferry across Puget Sound to discover the lesser-known side of the state!
