Colfax, city in and county seat of Whitman County, Washington, United States
Colfax is a small city in the Palouse region of Whitman County and serves as the county seat. Main Street stretches nearly a mile along the river and is lined with sturdy brick, stucco, and granite buildings that reflect the town's early days.
Settlement began in 1858 on open lands, with J. A. Perkins becoming the first resident in 1870 and founding the town. The area shifted from a wild cattle region to a stable wheat farming center by the late 1800s.
The town was named after Schuyler Colfax, Vice President under President Grant, reflecting the political ties of its early days. Today residents support local arts, family-owned shops, and craft traditions that keep the agricultural heritage alive in the community.
When visiting Colfax, plan time to walk Main Street and see well-preserved buildings from different eras. Nearby parks, trails, and river activities are easy to reach and work well for a relaxed day trip or short overnight stay.
The town was originally named Belleville and survived multiple fires, floods, and economic swings while many other small towns disappeared, an unusual feat for places of its size. Many buildings from the 1800s still stand, making it one of the few rural towns that kept its early structure intact.
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