ABOUT
HISTORY
Located in Historic Garfield County
Pomeroy was officially establashed in 1886 and has been the seat of Garfield County since 1882. The county was established by the territorial legislature in 1881 and was named for James Garfield, the U.S. president who died that year. The temporary county seat was located in Pataha City, three miles east of Pomeroy. The permanent county seat was decided in 1882 with Pomeroy being chosen. Garfield County holds the distinction of being the only county in the state that had its county seat established by an Act of Congress.
​
Part of the Journey of Lewis and Clark
During their journey across the western portion of the United States after 1806, Pomeroy was among one of the many places where Lewis and Clark stopped to rest. Visit local businesses, parks, and destinations to learn more about their expedition and it's relation to the surrounding area. It's easy to look around the current landscape and picture what it might have looked like when Lewis and Clark came through; the same rolling hills, vegetation, and animals we see today were likely similar to what it was back then.
Visit Local Museums and Historic Sites
For a more visual tour of the history of Garfield County, visit one of our local museums and historic sites. The Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum is an 8,600-square-foot museum displaying farm machinery, equipment, horse-drawn implements, tractors, engines, and other machinery dating from the late 1800s through the 1950s.
​
To take a glimpse into the daily life of early Eastern Washington, take a trip to the Garfield County Museum. With a large, curated collection of every day items dating back as far as 1900, there is a lot to learn about what life was like long before we were around.
​
Explore one of the oldest structures in Pomeroy, the Pataha Flour Mills. Travel up several floors and discover something new on each one, including a large collection of antique and vintage cameras. End your tour with lunch at the on-site restaurant and pick up some treasures at the gift shop.
​
​
​
​
​
Just off main street lies the Seeley Theater, a 100+ year-old opera house that is currently being restored to its former glory. Walk through the front doors past the ticket booth for a sight that is truly grand. Many members of our community have been working hard to get it back into shape, and thanks to their efforts, all are able to attend movies and events in the amazing space! Check out the website for more information, and follow the Facebook page for event and renovation updates!
​
For more information on the history of Pomeroy and Garfield county, head to the Denny Ashby Library on Arlington Street. The unique brick building is a cozy, family-friendly place to learn about the history of the area, find a new book, or utilize many different resources. Check out the Facebook page and visit the website to learn more!
FARMING
The Pulse of Pomeroy
Agriculture has dominated Garfield County's economy with farms occupying two-thirds of the county. Wheat is the main crop, though other grains such as barley and bluegrass are also grown. At 712.80 square miles, which encompass a portion of the Umatilla National Forest, Garfield County is the seventhsmallest county in the state.
SURROUNDING AREA
Year-Long Outdoor Recreation Destination
Pomeroy is located in the southeast corner of Washington. Garfield County is bordered by Columbia County to the west, Asotin County to the east, and the Snake River to the north, with the Snake River Canyon in places descending well over 1,000 feet to the river. The Oregon state line marks Garfield County's southern border with elevations rising to the Blue Mountains. Here are some close destinations:
​
-
Blue Mountains - Umatilla National Forest
-
Snake River
​
