Walla Walla, Washington

Since the early days, the Walla Walla area has been deeply steeped in agricultural crops including wheat, barley, corn, peas, and in recent years the addition of wine grapes. As the county seat for Walla Walla County, the City serves as the hub for this diverse community with a population of approximately 30,000 residents. Walla Walla County has a population of approximately 57,000. Today, the City of Walla Walla is the financial, civic, medical, and employment center for Walla Walla County and the Southeastern corner of the State of Washington.

Walla Walla History

In the 1800s, fur traders established a settlements trading post and fort in the area. The historic Nez Perce Trail was located where Main Street is today. The historic Lewis & Clark expedition skirted the northern and western boundaries of the Walla Walla Valley in 1805. Their return trip from the Pacific Ocean in 1806 took them through present day Walla Walla County.

In 1836, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman traveled what became the Oregon Trail, and founded a mission amongst the Cayuse Indians. After 11 years, the mission effort ended when the Cayuse attacked and killed the Whitmans and twelve others.

By the 1860's Walla Walla experienced the effects of the gold rush with commercial, banking, and manufacturing activities, making it the largest city in Washington Territory. Walla Walla became home to the first commercial bank in the northwest, the first college in the region, and has the oldest, continuous symphony west of the Mississippi River. Following the gold rush, farming became the economic force behind the community and continues as one today.

The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce is a member-focused organization and community partner that fosters a sustainable, healthy and vibrant economic environment through business promotion, advocacy, education and services.
WWVChamber.com