Franklin County, Washington

Franklin County, Washington is a county located in the Columbia River valley in the United States. It is situated near the Tri-Cities, Washington metropolitan area, which includes Richland, Washington, Kennewick, Washington, and Pasco, Washington. The county is bordered by Grant County, Washington to the north, Adams County, Washington to the northeast, Whitman County, Washington to the east, Walla Walla County, Washington to the southeast, and Benton County, Washington to the west. The county seat is Pasco, Washington, which is also the largest city in the county and is located near the Interstate 82 and U.S. Route 12.

Geography

Franklin County, Washington is located in the Columbia Basin region, which is characterized by a dry climate and irrigation-based agriculture. The county is bordered by the Snake River to the east and the Columbia River to the west, and is situated near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, a United States Department of Energy facility. The county's terrain is generally flat, with some hills and buttes in the eastern part of the county. The Yakima River flows through the western part of the county, and the Walla Walla River flows through the southeastern part of the county. The county is also home to the Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and provides habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Nearby cities include Yakima, Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, and Hermiston, Oregon.

History

The area that is now Franklin County, Washington was originally inhabited by the Chemakum and Walla Walla Native American tribes. The first European-American settlers arrived in the area in the late 19th century, and the county was officially established on November 28, 1883. The county was named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The county's early economy was based on agriculture and ranching, with the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway and the Oregon-Washington Railroad and Navigation Company providing transportation links to the rest of the country. The county was also home to the Fort Walla Walla, a United States Army post that was established in 1858. Nearby historical sites include the Whitman Mission National Historic Site and the Kamiah, Idaho area.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Franklin County, Washington was 95,222. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European-American, Hispanic and Latino American, and Native American residents. The county's largest city, Pasco, Washington, has a population of over 77,000 and is a major cultural and economic center in the region. Other cities in the county include Connell, Washington and Mesa, Washington. The county is also home to a number of rural areas, including the Basin City, Washington area. Nearby cities with significant populations include Spokane, Washington, Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

Economy

The economy of Franklin County, Washington is based on a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county is a major producer of wheat, barley, and potatoes, and is also home to a number of wineries and vineyards. The county's manufacturing sector is centered in the city of Pasco, Washington, which is home to a number of food processing and aerospace companies. The county is also a major center for logistics and transportation, with the Tri-Cities Airport and the BNSF Railway providing links to the rest of the country. Nearby economic centers include the Port of Seattle, the Port of Tacoma, and the Boeing facility in Everett, Washington.

Government

Franklin County, Washington is governed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget, infrastructure, and public services. The county is also home to a number of special districts, including the Franklin County Public Utility District and the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments. The county's law enforcement agency is the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, which is headquartered in Pasco, Washington. The county is also served by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, which has a courthouse in Richland, Washington. Nearby government institutions include the Washington State Legislature, the Washington State Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Education

Franklin County, Washington is served by a number of school districts, including the Pasco School District and the Finley School District. The county is also home to a number of higher education institutions, including Columbia Basin College and the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus. The county's students also have access to a number of online education programs, including those offered by the University of Washington and the Washington State University system. Nearby educational institutions include the University of Idaho, Whitman College, and the Walla Walla Community College. The county is also served by the Mid-Columbia Libraries system, which has branches in Pasco, Washington and other cities in the county. Category:Franklin County, Washington