Adams County

Adams County is an administrative division in eastern Washington that spreads across agricultural lands and small communities. The area sits between the Columbia Basin and Snake River regions, connecting diverse geographic zones.

The Washington State Legislature created this administrative division in 1883, naming it after the second U.S. president, John Adams. This naming choice reflected historical connections to early American leadership.

Agriculture shapes daily life and community identity here, with wheat farming and rural traditions deeply woven into how people organize their time and spaces. Visitors can observe this agricultural focus directly in the landscape and the character of the towns.

Exploring the area works best with a personal vehicle, as communities are spread out and public transportation is limited. Roads are well-maintained and information is readily available through county administrative resources online.

The region hosts specialized research stations working on developing drought-resistant wheat varieties for the Pacific Northwest. This research contributes to new farming methods that adapt to dry conditions.

Location: Washington

Inception: 1883

Capital city: Ritzville

Shares border with: Lincoln County, Whitman County, Franklin County, Grant County

Website: http://co.adams.wa.us

GPS coordinates: 46.99000,-118.56000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06