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About Walla WallaIn 1836 Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife, Narcissa, established the first permanent settlers' home in the Pacific Northwest in the Walla Walla Valley. First known as Steptoeville, the city traces its founding to Fort Walla Walla in 1856. The name is a Native American word meaning “many waters” or “small rapid stream.”
During the 1860s Walla Walla prospered as a departure point for central Idaho gold rush fortune seekers and also was the western terminus of the pioneer Mullan Road to Fort Benton, on the upper Missouri River in Montana. Wheat farming began in the 1870s, but after 1883 Walla Walla played second fiddle to Spokane, the site of Northern Pacific's transcontinental rail line.
Early settlers planted an abundance of ornamental trees on city streets as reminders of their Eastern and Midwestern hometowns. Along Main Street downtown stand dozens of preserved late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings.
The valley is noted for rich agricultural productivity; specialty crops include grapes and onions. The famous Walla Walla sweet—a large, round hybrid developed from an Italian sweet onion—is celebrated for its flavor. Commercial wine production began in 1977, and today there are more than 100 wineries in the area. Most specialize in such red wines as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and various blends. The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance has information about area wineries; phone (509) 526-3117.
Pioneer Park, 940 E. Alder St., is a 58-acre recreation area with a duck pond, bandstand, rose garden, playground, swimming pool, tennis courts and an aviary featuring exotic bird species; phone (509) 527-4527.
Visitor Centers Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce 29 E. Sumach St. Walla Walla, WA 99362. Phone:(509)525-0850
Things to Do Fort Walla Walla Museum
Whitman Mission National Historic Site see place listing.
WINERIES Forgeron Cellars
Walla Walla, WA
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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Walla Walla1531 Kelly Pl. Walla Walla, WA 99362
Book NowMembers save 5% to 15% and earn 10% bonus Best Western Rewards® points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Best Western Plus Walla Walla Suites Inn7 E Oak St. Walla Walla, WA 99362
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Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla550 W Rose St. Walla Walla, WA 99362
Book NowAs a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
