Quick Pasco History
Like today, a mild climate and an abundant fish supply ensured that early settlers thrived along the banks of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers. Some of the earliest known inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere were found in northern Franklin County at the Marmes Rockshelter, near Lyons Ferry and Palouse Falls.

In 1805, Lewis and Clark camped at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers in an area that 200 years later is called Sacagawea State Park in honor of their Native American guide. Little did they know the surrounding area would be called Pasco, today a bustling, thriving community of 65,398 people.

The Northern Pacific Railroad brought a rush of settlers to the Washington Territory, leading to statehood in 1889. The railroad town of Ainsworth was moved to Pasco in 1886 and brought with it the Franklin County seat.  Pasco was incorporated on September 3, 1891, and was named by Virgil Bogue, an engineer for the railroad, after Cerro de Pasco in Peru. 

Pasco’s growth is energized by transportation, commerce, and trade. In the beginning, the city relied entirely on the river and rail for transportation, but has since matured into a genuine transportation hub including surface, air, water, and rail; all modes moving agricultural goods, dry goods, technology, and other products to near and distant corners of the globe. 

Population and Community
Pasco has experienced rapid residential growth in the 21st century, growing from a 2000 population of 32,066 to a 2012 population estimate of 65,398.  This growth has occurred hand-in-hand with increasing safety - Pasco's crime rate has dropped 70% since 1995, and, in fact, the Tri-Cities (Pasco-Kennewick-Richland) were named the "Most Secure" mid-sized area in the nation for 2011.  For more detailed demographic information, visit the U.S. Census Bureau.

Boasting good schools, health care facilities, faith communities, numerous retail/professional opportunities, recreational areas, and predominantly good weather, Pasco is a place where people put down roots and raise families in a safe, forward-thinking, active environment.

Pasco's Recreation Features
Pasco is a sports-minded community! Some of the amenities offered include:

15 miles of pathway overlooking the majestic Columbia River for bikers and hikers  20 soccer fields  24 public tennis courts A 3.1-mile cross-country course dedicated for walkers, joggers, and runners A 50-meter pool A multi-purpose outdoor stadium with state-of-the-art turf field and a 10-lane, all-weather running track capable of hosting state-level football and track events

A professional golf course to enjoy nearly year-round play A professional indoor rodeo arena A professional minor league baseball stadium  Eight softball fields  Seven baseball parks

 
Climate
Pasco is nestled among the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers in southeastern Washington State. Average climate data:

Average high temperature: 66 Degrees Average low temperature: 44 Degrees Average rainfall: 6.5 inches per year Average snowfall: 2.75 inches per year Elevation: 407 feet above sea level

Growing season: 185 days per year Latitude: 46°16'N Longitude: 119°07'W Sunshine: 300 days per year

More Information
For more information on the many opportunities in Pasco to live, work and play, visit:

• Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau
• Pasco Chamber of Commerce
• Tridec (Tri-Cities Development Council)