The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1870-09-03
A word for Klickitat.
DALLEs, Aug. %, 1877

DALLEs, Aug. %, 1870.
EDrToR REGISTER My design in
writing at present is to give such inform
alton respecting the Klickitat valley as
may be beneficial to those desiring homes
east of the mountains.
Klickitat county is in Washing gton Ter
ritory, on the Columbia river, opposite
Wasco county, Oregon. The Columbia
river forms the boundary line from the
mouth of White Salmon to the junction
of the Yakima with the Columbia Its
northern boundary follows the Simcoe
mountains to the Yakama river, thence
down the Yakima to it's mouth. It con-
tains an area of nearly 4, 900 square miles,
but small proportion Of which is sus-
ceptable of cultivation. The larger part
of the available lands are either occupied
er claimed, though in Klickitat valley
proper there are still many valuable land
claims to be secured by pre- ernption or
under the homestead act. These tracts
Of land, in Klickitat valley, are distant
from timber about twelve miles. They
are superior stock ranches, growing ex-
celent grass, and viii, if properly farmed,
yield excellent wheat, barley, oats and
| hay.
| 1t has been reported that this valley
would not grow grain and vegetables, but
such is not the case. [ have been out
through the valley and on the farms, and
l have not seen, even IN "W ebfoot," the
celebrated wheat country, bet er oats,
wheat or barley than here. Mr.. Burgen
will realize about 1000 bushels of grain
from his farm the present harvest, and
others are realizing equally us well. In
| other portions of the county, on the river
! especially, very fine fruits are cultivated
with great success. Peaches, grapes,
plums, sweet potatoes, all kinds of small
fruits, melons and vegetables are equal to
those raised anywhere on the North Pa
cific coast.
/ These facts, in connection with the ex-
tensive and inexha,stable stock range
would make home here desirable. How
ever, there are some unpleasant things tc
be taken into consideration, such as the
scarcity Of timber, the high cold wind:
in the Spring, and other inconvenlencles
| connected with new countries. There are
in the valley about twenty-five families
two district schools, and good state oi
society. am confident in saying that 9
better state of society cannot be found
| The Methodists have good membership
and regular preaching. There are mum
Der Of families coming in yet this fall
There are two mills in the valley, sno
grist mill is soon to be erected on Klick
itat creek.
spent about three days n and around
Dalles City. All can say of the city i;
that it wears tho .kabiiiments Of dis
tress." Empty stores, halt finished. dwell
| ings, silent shops and factories, with mer
chants, shopkeepers and hotel runner:
lounging outside on the sidewalks tell bu
too plainly that cher glory hath de
parted"
am of the opinion that Albany is
about tie incest town, and gives as grea
promise of future thrift and prosperity a'
any town in the State except two. lie
no one be in haste to sell lots or towr
property, for few years hence and you
city will attract great attention. and will
be centre Of prosperity.
The campmeeting near the Dalles con
tinued two weeks, with good success.
was there only three days. My regards t.
all inquiring friends.