loklval.html

The Spokane Times, Spokane, W.T., February 17, 1881, page 1

LOWER KLICKITAT VALLEY

Lower Klickitat Valley is 20 miles long and 2 to 3 miles wide, bounded on the west by the Columbia river, on the north by the Klickitat river, and on the south and east by the Columbia hills. There is plenty of wood, consisting of oaks and pines, and the best bunch grass in eastern Oregon or Washington Territory. Water is rather scarce, but readily to be had by digging from 15 to 25 feet. The inhabitants number over 400. At the lower end of this valley, on the Columbia river, is a new town just located, named Tyle(sic) City, consisting of stores, 1 hotel, postoffice and a number of residences and a first class steam and sawmill, which is doing a good business - the timber is unsurpassed in quality and quantity - with water power enough to run up 40 mills. There also the best steam-boat landing this side of the Cascades.
We have just surveyed and located a road from Goldendale through this valley to the steamboat landing at Tyle(sic) City. In a short time all the grain and stock that is to be shipped from Klickitat and Yakima valleys will be shipped from this place. As it is the shortest and most practical route to get to the Columbia river, it saves hauling over the Klickitat mountains, and also crossing the ferry at The Dalles. We have over 3000 acres of good farming lands in this valley. Vegetables and fruit do well, especially the small fruits. There are good school and church privileges. Hay is $20 per ton, potatoes $1 per bushel. Butter, 62½ c per lb. Of beef and pork there is none better to be had in any country. Stock looks well considering the winter. The longest period we had to feed was ten days; the coldest day 6 deg. above zero. The fall sown wheat is up and looks well. New grass is growing fast.