Yakima County

Yakima is yet another County in Washington state. As of the 2010 census, the population in the area stood at 243,231. Yakima city is the largest city, and it has the largest population. It is leading in Washington state’s largest Hispanic region as of 2020. 

The word Yakama means people of the narrow river.  

Yakima is the county seat. Yakima county got its name from the Native American tribe of Yakama, and it came to being in 1865. 

History 

Like any other county neighboring Canada, the first inhabitants of Yakima were either fur traders or Americans looking for land. The county was a part of Oregon Country until 1818. However, a treaty would later give both Americans and Canadians joint custody. Oregon would be a government on its own, though with questionable authority. 

The northern side of the Columbia River was a part of Washington state. In 845, the government made them Lewis and Clark counties. The legislature still had the interest to reduce the two large counties. Out of the counties, they made Skamania county. They would later downsize the county by creating Walla Walla county. 

In 1863, the government created Ferguson county. It was a slice from Walla Walla county. The official did not let that last long as they later removed the county. The territory would later become a part of Yakima county. 

Since then Yakima county map has had two alterations to create Kittitas and Benton counties. Native Indians have faced several wars including, the Yakama war, which lasted till 1858. In 1855, the government made the Yakama Indian Reservation area. It is one of the largest reservation areas in the country and covers 36% of the county. 

Geography 

4311 Square miles is the total area of Yakima county, according to the U.S census bureau. The county has one of the most diverse climate and weather conditions. 

Mountains and mountain ranges characterize the terrain in the area. They contribute to the beauty as well as the weather in the region. The Cascade Mountain, Mt. Adams, Gilbert peaks, and Mount Aix give rich volcanic soil.  

There are hills in the area like Rattlesnake and Horse heaven. Water covers 0.4% of the total area, which is about 41 Km². Major rivers passing through the area include Columbia, Tieton, Yakima, Naches, Bumping, and the American River. 

Protected areas in Yakima include. 

• Snoqualmie National Forest
• Adams wilderness
• Part of William O. Douglas Wilderness
• Part of Wenatchee Forest
• Gifford Pinchot forest.

County seat and County lines 

The county seats and county lines for Yakima are unchanged for the longest time. The county seat has been Yakima city since the creation of the county in 1886. However, the first county seat for Yakima was Union Gap in 1865. 

The county lines to the county remain intact without several changes to it. The county border Klickitat, Lewis, Pierce, Skamania, Grant, Benton, and Kittitas. 

County Offices 

County clerk  

The office of the county clerk deals with probate matters. They are in charge of estate administration, will, and trusts. They offer legal advice. However, it does not equate to personalized legal counsel. Their work revolves around helping the public with general inquiries and legal advice. 

The Washington probate clerks serve as probate judges. They can handle probate cases and anything relating to the court as a county officer. The office of the county clerk is in Yakima. 

The County Auditor’s office 

The auditor’s office handles matters of registration. When you need a birth or death certificate, marriage license, among others. In the offices, people can gain access to public records as allowed by the law. You can also reach them online. The public records office requires you to show identification when seeking some services. 

You can also visit the auditor’s office to change your name. 

Animal control unit 

There is an animal control unit that takes charge of the animals in the area. Their work is to safeguard the lives of both animals and people within the county. They take charge to avert animal-human conflicts. They also ensure that animals get prevention and treatment procedures to keep them safe. 

Office of the sheriff 

The office of the sheriff maintains law and order. Their work is to ensure that citizens remain safe in their homes. They patrol the area, ensuring that citizens abide by the set regulations. 

The sheriff’s office is also in charge of investigations and seeing that criminals face justice. Officers ensure to follow all necessary processes when there are crimes to get the victims protection they require. 

The are many other departments that serve the county of Yakima. Most notable ones include the juvenile and detention service and the superior court that take charge of justice.  

Economic Background 

The county of Yakima has long been an agriculture and mining area. Red Indians owned herds of cattle since earlier times. Settlers in the 1840s would later bring in more cattle through the land. The vast grasslands and fertile land attracted ranchers who would later settle in the area. 

Mortimer Thorp and his wife Margaret Bounds Thorp settled here with their nine children. They were the first to start the cattle culture in the area. They would describe it as cattle heaven. The endless supply of grass and cool waters make agriculture blissful. 

Communities also indulge in farming like a plant growing. The river water allows farmers to irrigate their plants all through. They grow all kinds of plants, including tending fruit trees like apples and grapes. Yakima is the Washington state’s first host to the annual agriculture fair. 

With the large fruit-growing areas, there are processing plants in the area. They employ a lot of the population. 

Other large employers in the region include fishing, mining, and forestry. 

Yakima is widely known for its production of fruits and vegetables and its expanding wine industry.  

Cities and towns 

There are many cities in Yakima county. Some notable cities include Toppenish, Tieton, Granger, Grandview, Selah, Union Gap, Wapato, Yakima, and Sunnyside. 

There are two major towns in the county, Harrah and Naches. 

Yakima is home to many unincorporated communities. Some examples are Harwood, Fruitvale, Liberty, and Pomona.  

Yakima County Offices by Type