Goldendale, city in Washington state, United States
Goldendale is a small town that serves as the center of Klickitat County in Washington. The downtown area features brick buildings, some dating from earlier periods, with streets that are easy to walk through and lined with small shops, cafes, and local services.
The town was founded in 1863 by John J. Golden, a Pennsylvania pioneer who became involved in cattle ranching and sawmills. A major fire in 1888 destroyed much of the town, but the community rebuilt and grew into a regional center for farming and timber work.
The name Goldendale honors John J. Golden, an early settler from Pennsylvania who arrived in 1863 and later became a store owner and cattle rancher. The town maintains its connection to the land and farming, which shows in local gatherings and the way residents live their daily lives.
The town is easy to explore on foot since shops and services are concentrated in the downtown area. Visitors can easily access nearby natural sites like Goldendale Observatory State Park and the Maryhill Museum of Art without traveling far from the town center.
The Newell House, built around 1890, displays rare Stick Style architecture and honors Charles Newell, a well-known horse trader of the region. This home with its distinctive tall, slender features remains a local landmark that reflects the colorful past of the town.
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