The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1876-06-30
Friday, June 80, 1879
THE CENTRAL VALLEYS.

O1le WHOSE ODstTVdtlOHs oI w ash
ington Territory are confined to the
section west of the Cascades, can
form only an imperfect conception
Of the Territory, az whole. The
region east Of the Cascades, between
the mountains and the Columbia
river, being a country Of plains and
grassy hills, has hitherto been de-
voted TO stock raising. The breadth
Of arabic soil along the numerous
streams that thread the district will,
however, as soon as transportation
facilities are furnished, make graz
ing secondary to the grain interest
in that section.
The principal valleys are Yakima,
with its tributaries; the Kittitas, At
tannam, Wenas, Nachcss, Moksee,
Cowiche, Selah and Simcoe, in the
center. The Wenachie, Chelan, Ne
thow, and Okanagan in the north,
and the Klickatat, in the south
The largest of these valleys, the Kit
atlas and Klickitat are said to con-
tain $50 and $50 square miles of
land, respectively. The areas of the
others, varies from 80 to 300 square
miles.
The odd numbered sections are
still held under the railroad grant,
but of the other half, it is said, a
large part is still open to pre-emp-
ton and homestead entry. Some
recent estimates place the amount
still unclaimed at seven-eighths of
the whole.
The Simcoe valley, a lateral of the
Yakima, on the south side, is re-
ported as having a length of 80
miles by Is in width, mostly splen-
did farming land, well watered. 1t
is however, altogether devoted TO
the rsc of the Indians; but it is sew
cral times as extensive as the Indi-
ans require, or can make use Of, and
rs the reservation, according to the
terms of the treaty, expires next
year, it is hoped that a large part of
the valley will then be thrown open
TO settlement.
The hills, separating these valleys,
are covered with the richest bunch
grass, which affords fine summer
aud winter pasturage for fiocks and
herds. Abundance Of timber, for
fuel and fencing, is f .asgs.au along Ii
strea,ns.s aud on the adjacent moul
tain spurs, few farmers having I
haul rs far as ten miles.
The climate is DRYER than on o,
side of the mountains, but som,
what colder in winter, though "a
less so than in most of the Easter
States.
The great need of that region
roads. Its largest cattle market
Seattle, and its trade is divided b,
tween Seattle and the Dalles. I'll
people are moving III the matter ,
local roads, there being several III
der way. The settlers in Kittats
have viewed out, measured an
1aked a road to Priests Rapids, tn
Rd Of navigation ON the Columbi
6bovc Wallula, q distance of ,
Yes. The effect of this road wi
- to divert the trade that now
awn by teams south TO the Dale,
onotward to the Columbia river.
~ also tend to divert some Of tb
mollicum of trade that now comes I
M - tile through the Snoqualmi
rs, away from us, 10 PORTLAND
and by way of the Rapids an
A!nla. Our only hope of retair
- ANY of our commercial hold upo
portion of the Territory, or mo,
rperly of creating one, is to a.
the construction of our Sn,
quxlmie Pass road. with all practi
/ onlespeed.
y siese valleys are prcgrcssin
elcwk, to be sure, but perceptibl
hs lands are being settled up, an
IL grain area steadily widene,
1oels, churches and stores are b,
ing established in different section
A number of little towns have bee
started, as Yakima City, Attanan
Ellensburg and Goldendale, and a,
growing apaoe. The coming of ii
iron horse will give 10 these beaut
full valleys an impetus that wi
make Central Washington one Of III