Tri-Cities history

Origins: The Confluence of Rivers and Routes

The history of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, uniting the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland, is inextricably linked to water. Long before modern settlements appeared, this territory at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers was an important meeting place for indigenous peoples for fishing and trade. The first documented mention of the region by Europeans dates back to 1805, when the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through here.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the region was determined by a unique combination of natural resources and technological progress:

• Geography and Water Resources: The location in a semi-arid area at the confluence of three powerful rivers made this region ideal for the development of irrigated agriculture and hydropower.
• Railway Hub: The city of Pasco became the first major settlement thanks to the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway in the 1880s, turning into a key transport hub.
• Government Projects: A sharp leap in development occurred in the 1940s with the start of operations at the Hanford Site (part of the Manhattan Project). This turned the quiet farming village of Richland into a closed government city and attracted thousands of specialists.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The region's economy formed in stages, transitioning from an agrarian structure to an industrial one:

• Agriculture: Thanks to large-scale irrigation projects in the early 20th century, the dry lands around Kennewick turned into fertile orchards and vineyards, laying the foundation for the region's status as the "wine country" of Washington State.
• Transport Logistics: Pasco long retained the atmosphere of a bustling railway city, where the paths of traders and workers crossed.
• Scientific Potential: After World War II, the region's economy transformed, betting on scientific research and energy, which distinguishes the Tri-Cities from other agricultural centres in the region.

Major Milestones in Tri-Cities History

• 1805 — The Lewis and Clark Expedition reaches the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers, making the first descriptions of the area.
• 1884 — Completion of the railway bridge across the Columbia River turns Pasco into an important transport hub.
• 1891 — Pasco officially receives city status, becoming the first incorporated settlement in the future agglomeration.
• 1904 — Foundation of the city of Kennewick, the development of which was closely linked to the success of irrigation projects.
• 1910 — Richland receives city status, remaining a small farming community at that time.
• 1943 — Start of construction of the Hanford Site, which led to rapid population growth and urbanisation of the region.
• 1948 — Massive flooding on the Columbia River, which accelerated the creation of a protective levee system.
• 1954 — Commissioning of the McNary Dam, providing the region with electricity and improving navigation conditions.
• 1958 — Richland transitions from federal administration to civil self-government, becoming an open city.
• 1984 — Official recognition of the Columbia Valley viticulture region, which gave a powerful impulse to the development of vineyard tourism.
• 1996 — Discovery of ancient remains in Kennewick, known as "Kennewick Man," which became an important event in archaeology.
• 2015 — Creation of the National Historical Park, which included historic sites in Richland.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of the Tri-Cities is a journey from scattered settlements to a single powerful agglomeration. Each of the events listed below radically changed the economic and cultural landscape of the region.

• Arrival of the Railway (1880s)
  The construction of a bridge across the Columbia and the laying of tracks for the Northern Pacific Railway turned Pasco into a strategic transport hub.
  Significance: This event opened the region to mass migration and trade, linking it with the east and west of the country, and defined the industrial character of Pasco for decades to come.
• Irrigation Revolution (Early 20th Century)
  The implementation of projects to irrigate arid lands, especially around Kennewick, allowed for the cultivation of fruit orchards and alfalfa in a desert climate.
  Significance: The agricultural sector became the first sustainable engine of the economy, forming the image of the region as a "fruit basket" and laying the foundation for the future viticulture industry.
• The Manhattan Project and Secret Mission (1943)
  The federal government selected territory near Richland for plutonium production (Hanford Site). The population of Richland grew from a few hundred to tens of thousands almost instantly.
  Significance: This completely changed the demographics and economy, transforming the region from agrarian to high-tech and industrial. Richland became a city of engineers and scientists.
• Era of Big Dams (1950s)
  Construction of the McNary Dam and other hydraulic structures on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
  Significance: Cheap electricity attracted energy-intensive industries (e.g., chemical plants), and improved navigation allowed barges to reach the ocean, strengthening the logistics potential of the Tri-Cities.
• Scientific Diversification (Since 1965)
  Development of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and reorientation of the economy from nuclear material production to environmental cleanup and research.
  Significance: This ensured stability for the region after the end of the Cold War, creating thousands of high-paying jobs and making the Tri-Cities a centre for innovation in energy.
• Recognition of the Wine Region (1980s — Present)
  Formation of the reputation of the Columbia Valley as a world-class grape-growing region.
  Significance: Viticulture became a new cultural and tourism brand for the agglomeration, diversifying the economy and attracting a stream of tourists, gastronomy enthusiasts, and investors to the hospitality sector.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban structure of the Tri-Cities is unique in its polycentricity: the three cities developed independently of each other under the influence of different economic factors, which formed their distinct architectural appearances. Monumental historical styles of Europe are rarely found here, but the history of 20th-century American urbanisation is clearly presented — from station settlements to planned government cities.

The Railway Era and Early Development (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

The oldest districts of Pasco and Kennewick have preserved the features of typical American trading towns of the beginning of the last century. Development here formed spontaneously around transport arteries.

• Style: Brick Commercial style, late Victorian style, and Neoclassicism in private residences.
• Characteristic features: Low-rise brick buildings in the centre (Downtown), wide streets oriented towards railway stations.
• Landmark object: Moore Mansion in Pasco. Built in the early 1900s, it is a striking example of the Beaux-Arts style with neoclassical elements, symbolising the ambitions of early settlers.

The "Atomic Era" and Planned Development (1940s — 1950s)

The architecture of Richland stands apart. Unlike its neighbours, this city was rebuilt practically from scratch in 1943 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to house Hanford Site personnel. This is a rare example of a city fully planned by the federal government.

• Style: Utilitarian functionalism, American cottage style, early modernism.
• Urban planning feature: The famous "Alphabet Houses". To speed up construction, architect G. Albin Pehrson developed a series of standard designs designated by letters (A, B, F, H, etc.). These houses still shape the look of Richland's historic districts.
• Landmark district: The historic Gold Coast district. Engineers and project managers lived here; the area is distinguished by wide green streets and preserved buildings from the 1940s.

Modernism and Engineering Dominants (1970s — Present)

In the second half of the 20th century, the appearance of the agglomeration began to be defined by large-scale infrastructure projects and scientific campuses, reflecting the technological focus of the region.

• Style: Structural expressionism, brutalism, modern high-tech.
• Landmark object: Ed Hendler Bridge (Cable Bridge). Built in 1978, this cable-stayed bridge became the first of its kind in the USA and the main architectural symbol of the Tri-Cities. Its elegant silhouette dominates the Columbia River.
• Modern development: The campus of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) demonstrates modern architecture of glass and steel, emphasising the region's status as a scientific centre.

Contemporary Trends

In recent decades, urban development has been shifting towards the river. Former industrial zones along the banks of the Columbia are transforming into recreational spaces with parks and promenades. In the architecture of new public buildings and wineries, "desert aesthetics" are popular — the use of natural stone, wood, and warm tones that harmonise with the landscape of Eastern Washington.

Outstanding Figures of the Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities region has become home to many talented people whose achievements have received recognition at the national and global levels. From science and politics to sports and art, local residents have left a noticeable mark on history.

• Leslie Groves
  Military Commander and Project Manager
  Lieutenant General of the US Army who directed the Manhattan Project. It was he who chose Hanford (near Richland) as the site for plutonium production in the 1940s. His decisions turned a quiet agricultural area into one of the world's key nuclear centres.
• James Wong Howe
  Cinematographer
  A Hollywood legend and winner of two Academy Awards. Howe spent his childhood and youth in Pasco, where his father owned a store. He became a pioneer in the use of deep focus and complex lighting, filming over 130 movies.
• Chuck Palahniuk
  Writer and Journalist
  A native of the city of Pasco. A contemporary American writer who gained worldwide fame thanks to the novel "Fight Club". His work is distinguished by a unique satirical style and often touches on acute social themes.
• James Mattis
  Statesman and Military Figure
  Retired Marine Corps General and the 26th US Secretary of Defense. Mattis grew up in Richland and graduated from the local Columbia High School. He is often called one of the most influential military strategists of his generation.
• Sharon Tate
  Actress and Model
  The famous Hollywood actress of the 1960s spent part of her youth in Richland, where her father served at Camp Hanford. In 1959, she won the title of "Miss Richland," which became one of the first steps in her career.
• Hope Solo
  Athlete
  Born in Richland. An outstanding football goalkeeper, two-time Olympic champion, and World Cup champion with the US national team. Considered one of the best female goalkeepers in football history.
• Gene Conley
  Professional Athlete
  A graduate of a school in Richland. A unique athlete who became the only person in history to win championship titles in both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).