Chelan County, Administrative division in Washington, United States
Chelan County is an administrative division in Washington that spans the eastern Cascade Mountain slopes, encompassing Lake Chelan and extensive apple orchards across the landscape. The region features diverse terrain with mountains, waterways, and farmland that shape both daily life and economic activity.
Territorial legislators established Chelan County in 1899 as a new administrative unit carved from portions of Okanogan and Kittitas counties. This redistricting reflected growing settlement and economic development across the eastern mountain region during that era.
Wenatchee, the county seat, displays its agricultural roots through the annual Apple Blossom Festival and working fruit packing facilities that shape the community's identity. These gatherings and businesses remain active places where residents celebrate and pass down their connection to farming.
Visitors find administrative services centered in Wenatchee, where various departments operate on weekdays for resident needs. The region is accessible by car or bike, allowing travelers to explore the diverse landscape and rural communities at their own pace.
The region contains more than 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) of apple orchards, making it one of the largest apple-producing areas in the United States. This enormous agricultural concentration is absolutely central to the region's history and identity, visible everywhere in the landscape.
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