Kennewick, Washington

Kennewick, Washington is a city located in the southeastern part of Washington, near the Columbia River, and is part of the Tri-Cities, Washington metropolitan area, which also includes Richland, Washington, and Pasco, Washington. The city is situated near the Hanford Site, a former United States Department of Energy nuclear production facility, and is close to the Yakima River, which flows into the Columbia River. Kennewick is also near the Umatilla National Forest and the Columbia Basin Project, a United States Bureau of Reclamation water management project. The city is home to the Tri-Cities Airport, which serves Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Geography

Kennewick is located in Benton County, Washington, near the Oregon border, and is part of the Columbia River Plateau. The city is situated near the Columbia River Gorge, a scenic canyon carved by the Columbia River, and is close to the Walla Walla River, which flows into the Columbia River. The surrounding landscape is characterized by basalt rock formations, which are a result of Miocene-era volcanic activity, and is home to the Columbia River Basalt Group, a large igneous rock formation. The city is also near the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service protected area, and the McNary National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

History

The area that is now Kennewick was originally inhabited by the Chemehuevi and Walla Walla tribes, who were part of the Plateau Native American culture. The city was founded in 1904 by a group of settlers from Lewiston, Idaho, and was named after the Sinnott, Kennewick, and Columbia irrigation canal, which was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The city grew rapidly during World War II, due to its proximity to the Hanford Site, which was a major Manhattan Project research and development facility. Kennewick is also near the Fort Walla Walla, a former United States Army fort, and the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, which commemorates the Whitman massacre.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of over 83,921 people, with a diverse population that includes Hispanic or Latino and Native American communities. The city is home to a large number of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts, and has a strong sense of community, with many annual events, including the Tri-Cities Water Follies, a hydroplane racing competition, and the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo, a rodeo and fair. Kennewick is also near the Yakama Indian Reservation, which is home to the Yakama Nation, a federally recognized tribe.

Economy

The economy of Kennewick is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with major employers including the Kadlec Regional Medical Center, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, and the Amazon fulfillment center. The city is also home to a number of small businesses, including wineries and breweries, such as the J. Bookwalter Winery and the Ice Harbor Brewing Company. Kennewick is near the Port of Pasco, a major shipping and transportation hub, and the Columbia Basin Railroad, a short-line railroad that serves the region.

Education

Kennewick is served by the Kennewick School District, which operates several public schools, including Kennewick High School, Southridge High School, and Kamiakin High School. The city is also home to the Columbia Basin College, a community college that offers associate's degree and certificate programs, and the Washington State University Tri-Cities, a public research university that offers bachelor's degree and graduate degree programs. Kennewick is near the Heritage University, a private university that serves the Yakama Nation and other Native American communities.

Infrastructure

Kennewick has a well-developed transportation system, with several major highways, including Interstate 82 and U.S. Route 395, and a public transportation system that includes buses and shuttles. The city is also served by the Tri-Cities Airport, which offers commercial airline service to Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and other destinations. Kennewick is near the Columbia River Crossing, a major bridge that spans the Columbia River, and the Blue Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that connects the city to Pasco, Washington. The city is also home to the Kennewick General Hospital, a hospital that serves the region, and the Lourdes Medical Center, a Catholic Health Initiatives hospital. Category: Cities in Washington (state)