Pasco, Washington

Pasco, Washington is a city located in Franklin County, Washington, at the confluence of the Columbia River and Snake River. The city is part of the Tri-Cities, Washington metropolitan area, which also includes Richland, Washington and Kennewick, Washington. Pasco is situated near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, a United States Department of Energy site, and the Columbia Basin Project, a United States Bureau of Reclamation project. The city is also close to the Sacajawea State Park, a Washington State Parks site, and the Franklin County Historical Society and Museum.

Geography

Pasco, Washington is located in the Columbia River Plateau region, near the Columbia River and Snake River. The city's geography is characterized by its proximity to the Hanford Reach, a National Park Service site, and the Juniper Dunes Wilderness, a United States Wilderness Area. The city is also near the Rattlesnake Hills, a United States Geological Survey site, and the Yakima River, a tributary of the Columbia River. Pasco is situated near the Interstate 82 and U.S. Route 12, which provide access to nearby cities such as Yakima, Washington and Walla Walla, Washington. The city is also close to the Tri-Cities Airport, a Federal Aviation Administration site, and the Columbia River Gorge, a National Scenic Area.

History

The area that is now Pasco, Washington was originally inhabited by the Chemnapum and Palus tribes, who were part of the Plateau Native American culture. The city was founded in 1891 by Virginia E. Davis, a Northern Pacific Railway employee, and was named after Cerilo Pasco, a Peruvian-born United States Army officer. Pasco was officially incorporated in 1891 and became a major shipping point for the Northern Pacific Railway and the Oregon-Washington Railroad and Navigation Company. The city played an important role in the development of the Columbia Basin Project, a United States Bureau of Reclamation project, and the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, a United States Department of Energy site. Pasco is also near the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, a National Park Service site, and the Fort Walla Walla, a United States Army post.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Pasco, Washington was approximately 77,108. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of Hispanic and Latino Americans, European Americans, and Native Americans. Pasco is also home to a large Mormon community, with several The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wards and branches in the area. The city is near the Yakama Indian Reservation, a Bureau of Indian Affairs site, and the Umatilla Indian Reservation, a Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation site. Pasco is also close to the Washington State University Tri-Cities, a Washington State University campus, and the Columbia Basin College, a Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges site.

Economy

The economy of Pasco, Washington is driven by a mix of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city is a major producer of wheat, barley, and potatoes, and is home to several large farms and ranches. Pasco is also a major shipping point for the BNSF Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad, and is near the Port of Pasco, a Washington State Department of Transportation site. The city is home to several major employers, including the Kadlec Regional Medical Center, a Providence Health & Services hospital, and the Lourdes Medical Center, a Lourdes Health hospital. Pasco is also near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, a United States Department of Energy site, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a United States Department of Energy laboratory.

Education

Pasco, Washington is served by the Pasco School District, a Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction district. The city is home to several public and private schools, including Pasco High School, a Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction school, and the Chiawana High School, a Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction school. Pasco is also near the Columbia Basin College, a Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges site, and the Washington State University Tri-Cities, a Washington State University campus. The city is close to the Heritage University, a Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities university, and the Walla Walla University, a Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities university.

Infrastructure

Pasco, Washington has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major highways and roads passing through the city. The city is served by the Interstate 82 and U.S. Route 12, which provide access to nearby cities such as Yakima, Washington and Walla Walla, Washington. Pasco is also home to the Tri-Cities Airport, a Federal Aviation Administration site, and the Pasco Transit, a Washington State Department of Transportation system. The city has a wastewater treatment plant, a water treatment plant, and a solid waste management system, all of which are operated by the City of Pasco Public Works Department. Pasco is also near the Columbia River Crossing, a Washington State Department of Transportation project, and the I-82 Bridge, a Washington State Department of Transportation site. Category:Cities in Washington (state)