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Winthrop Washington

Adventure is in the air with a certain western flare

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You are here: Home / ABOUT WINTHROP / HISTORY

HISTORY

The history of Winthrop Washington in the Methow Valley began when Native Americans lived along the banks of the Methow, Twisp, and Chewuch rivers. The Native Americans lived off camas root, picking berries, fishing, and hunting. The first white men to visit the valley were trappers in the 1800s.

The history of the Methow Valley Winthrop Washington

But it was in 1883 when the lure of gold brought the first white settlers. The three most prominent of these settlers were James Ramsey, Ben Pearrygin, and Guy Waring, the last of whom settled at the forks of the Chewuch and Methow rivers in 1891. He and his family settled in a home they called the “Castle.” The castle is now the Shafer Museum.

Guy Waring

Although Waring is the acclaimed founding father, and named the town after Theodore Winthrop, a Yale graduate, adventurer/traveler, and gifted 19th-century author. After a devastating fire in 1893, Winthrop had to be rebuilt. Waring hated alcohol. He built his original Duck Brand Saloon (considered the best-run saloon in the country by numerous church publications) in 1891. There were no chairs so drinkers had to stand up and it closed at 9 pm.

It survived the fire and is now Winthrop’s Town Hall. Waring’s “Methow Trading Company” operated for 49 years in 1897.

Owen Wister, Waring’s Harvard roommate, wrote The Virginian, America’s first western novel, after honeymooning in Winthrop.

Western Restoration History

In 1972, when State Highway 20 was nearing completion over the North Cascades, several business people began planning for travelers passing through the town. Mrs. Kathryn Wagner and her husband Otto came up with the idea of a western restoration. All the local merchants pitched in financially, and Mrs. Wagner paid the balance for the reconstruction, painting, and new signs. Westernization codes regulate the look of new construction even today.

The history of the Methow Valley Winthrop Washington
The history of the Methow Valley Winthrop Washington
Horseback Riding in Winthrop, horseback riding in Winthrop wa lakes in Winthrop wa Methow xc skiing
The Moses Indian Reservation was abolished and the valley was opened to homesteading. Trappers and prospectors camped where the town baseball diamond is now. James Sullivan and his wife build the first cabin. Guy Waring became the post master. His wife, and three step children had moved here a year earlier.  Winthrop was incorporated as a proper town. The Upper Methow Valley Power and Light Company built a power plant on the Methow River. Western renovation of Winthrop business district modeled after the theme town of Leavenworth. A year later the North Cascades Highway opened.

The architect and designer was Robert Jorgenson of Leavenworth, Washington. He wanted “to make the design as authentic as possible to preserve the spirit of the valley.” Chet Endrezzi created the original signs.

Cattle drives, medicine shows, pack trains, and the mystique of the old west are still part of the Methow Valley experience. Almost surrounded by National Forest, State Game Range, and Wilderness areas, Winthrop and the upper Methow Valley beckon adventurers of all kinds. We celebrate the heritage of Winthrop on Mother’s Day weekend during our annual 49er Days event.

Shafer Museum Wood sign
Visit the Shafer Museum to learn more.
Horseback Riding in Winthrop, horseback riding in Winthrop wa lakes in Winthrop wa Methow xc skiing Methow Valley
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