RV Rentals in Walla Walla, Washington

Explore Walla Walla, Washington, in an RVshare RV Rental

The fertile land where Walla Walla is now located was formed after glacier floods about 15,000 years ago. It became home to many Native Americans, including the Nez Perce, Cayuses, Umatilla, and Walla Wallas. Lewis and Clark visited the area in 1805. In 1806, The North West Company was formed with the purpose of trading with the local tribes, which Clark and Lewis had reported as friendly. Following the War of 1812, the Hudson Bay Company established Fort Walla Walla, which had been named by Lewis and Clark. It was the name the Indians said when they inquired about this Columbia Plateau region's name. The name translates to "running waters" or "land of many waters." Marcus and Narcissa Whitman arrived in 1836, and they established a mission dedicated to spreading Christianity and educating residents. The mission was an essential stop on the Oregon Trail, especially since Marcus had received training as a medical doctor. In 1847, when a measles outbreak devastated the Cayuses, Whitman was blamed, and the Whitmans were killed. You can learn more by visiting the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. 

In 1853, Walla Walla County was created. It covered all the land between the Cascade Mountains and the Rocky Mountains. Several skirmishes with local tribes resulted until Native Americans were forced to live on reservations in 1859. Businesses sprung up to service Fort Walla Walla, established in 1856, and the nearby cattle ranches. After gold was discovered in eastern Idaho, the area grew quickly to meet the needs of the prospectors who promptly arrived. The town was officially incorporated and named the county seat in 1862. Head to the Fort Walla Walla Museum to learn more before tasting local produce and wine in many area businesses. You may also want to sample the Walla Walla onion, which is the official state vegetable of Washington, by eating a great hamburger at the Maple Counter Cafe, Ice-Burg Drive-in, or Red Monkey Downtown. 

The start of the 18th century saw even more development. Soon, modern farm machinery could be used to produce larger harvests. The Walla Walla Canning Company was established in 1932, and other canning facilities were opened quickly afterward. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers established its regional office in the city in 1948. They began working on several dam construction projects, making the city known for its outstanding fishing locations. Find out for yourself by visiting Bennington Lake, Fish Hook Pond, and the Snake, Columbia, Walla Walla, and Touchet rivers. The town was moved to its current location in 1953 following the completion of the Port of Walla Walla a year earlier. 

Upcoming Events In Walla Walla, Washington

• Walla Walla Spring Release Weekend - Celebrate new releases from area wineries at this spring festival. 

• Walla Walla Spring Fling - Pioneer Park is home to this spring festival featuring live music and sweet treats. 

• Feast Walla Walla - Over 40 area restaurants and wineries offer samples at this June festival in the downtown area. 

• Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival - Bring the family to this July festival featuring food, family games, and music.