City of Pasco

In October 1805, Lewis and Clarke set up camp in what is now the southeast part of Pasco. Today, Pasco serves as a hub in the region for air, rail and bus transportation

With a population of over 55,000 Pasco is the county seat of Franklin County, and is a wonderful combination of industry, agriculture, education and culture.

Brief History of Pasco, Washington
Pasco is near the site where the Lewis & Clark Expedition made camp in 1805. The expedition spent several days near present-day Sacajawea State Park trading with the Indians and cataloging our diverse plant and animal life. Pasco has both strong agricultural and industrial roots, and is the largest city in the million acres Columbia Basin Irrigation Project.

Its name was given by Virgil Bogue, a construction engineer and railroad builder who helped build a railroad in the Andes Mountains near Cerro de the Pasco in Peru. Pasco's history is deeply rooted in the rail transportation. The Northern Pacific Railroad brought the first settlers to what was then Washington territory, and Pasco was later founded in 1884 when a neighboring railroad town reeks relocated to what became present-day Pasco. This area was also the site of the initial railroad bridge crossing the Columbia River.

Pasco's location near the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers is made it an ideal port for barges moving cargo. The rivers have also provided an ample supply of irrigation water which allows for the huge agricultural area surrounding Pasco to produce an extremely wide variety of high-value crops.

Pasco strong agricultural and industrial background has helped the city grow in the regions agribusiness and food processing center. A railroad yard constructed during Pascoe's early years still functions as a major rail hub.

Pasco provides a location for the largest open-air farmers market in the state.  It is home to Columbia Basin College, and the Trade, Recreation and Agricultural Center track (TRAC).   Events include many multi-day equestrian shows, hockey games, trade shows, conventions, business meetings and rodeos which add to the quality of life for the region.  Broadmoor Park Outlet Mall, winery tours, sports, cultural performances, religious worship, cultural multiplicity and education innovations also contribute to make Pasco a great place to live.