Garfield County, Washington

Garfield County, Washington is a county located in the Palouse region of Washington, bordered by Columbia County, Washington to the west, Whitman County, Washington to the north, and the Snake River to the south and east, which forms the border with Idaho. The county is named after James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, and is part of the Pullman, Washington Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat, Pomeroy, Washington, is situated near the Snake River and is close to the Oregon border, as well as the Blue Mountains.

Geography

The geography of the county is characterized by the Snake River, which flows through the southern part of the county and forms the border with Idaho. The county is also home to the Alpowa Creek, which flows into the Snake River and is a tributary of the Columbia River. The Blue Mountains are located to the south of the county, and the Palouse Range is situated to the north. The county's terrain is mostly prairie, with some forested areas, and is part of the Channeled Scabland region, which was formed by the Missoula Floods. The county is near the Hanford Site, a United States Department of Energy facility, and the Columbia River Gorge, a scenic area that stretches from the Columbia River to the Deschutes River.

History

The history of the county dates back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the area in 1805 and 1806. The county was established on November 29, 1881, and was named after James A. Garfield, who was President of the United States at the time. The county was formed from part of Columbia County, Washington, and the county seat, Pomeroy, Washington, was established in 1882. The county has a rich Native American history, with the Nez Perce and Cayuse tribes having lived in the area for thousands of years. The county is also close to the Oregon Trail, which was used by pioneers traveling to the Oregon Territory in the 19th century.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the county was 2,286 people, with a population density of 3 people per square mile. The county has a total area of 710 square miles, with no water area. The racial makeup of the county is mostly White, with small percentages of Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is around $40,000, and the median home value is around $150,000. The county is part of the Pullman, Washington Micropolitan Statistical Area, which also includes Whitman County, Washington and Latah County, Idaho.

Economy

The economy of the county is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including wheat, barley, and peas. The county is also home to several ranches, which raise cattle and sheep. The county has a small manufacturing sector, with companies producing food products and wood products. The county is also close to the Port of Lewiston, a major transportation hub, and the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport. The county is part of the Inland Northwest region, which includes Spokane, Washington, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Missoula, Montana.

Government

The government of the county is a commissioner form of government, with three commissioners elected by the people to serve four-year terms. The county has a sheriff's department, which provides law enforcement services to the county, and a court system, which includes a superior court and a district court. The county is part of the Washington State Legislature's 9th legislative district, which also includes Adams County, Washington, Asotin County, Washington, and Franklin County, Washington. The county is also part of the United States House of Representatives' 5th congressional district, which includes Spokane, Washington and Walla Walla, Washington.

Education

The education system in the county is provided by the Pomeroy School District, which operates two schools in the county, including Pomeroy Junior-Senior High School. The county is also close to several universities and colleges, including Washington State University, University of Idaho, and Walla Walla Community College. The county has a library system, which includes the Pomeroy Public Library, and several museums, including the Garfield County Museum and the Pomeroy Historic Walking Tour. The county is part of the Inland Northwest region, which includes several school districts and educational institutions, such as the Spokane Public Schools and the Coeur d'Alene School District. Category:Garfield County, Washington