• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Winthrop Washington

Adventure is in the air with a certain western flare

  • ABOUT WINTHROP
    • CONTACT
    • COVID-19 Info
    • DIRECTIONS & MAPS
    • HISTORY
    • VOLUNTEER
  • STAY
    • LODGING
    • LODGING MAP
  • PLAY
    • ART AND CULTURE
    • DRINK LOCAL
    • EAT
    • FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN
    • RECREATION
    • SHOPPING
  • EVENTS
    • CALENDAR
    • 49ER DAYS
    • CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
    • CHRISTMAS AT THE END OF THE ROAD
    • METHOW VALLEY RODEO EVENTS
    • FARMERS MARKETS
    • Rhythm & Blues Festival
    • SNOWSHOE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
    • VINTAGE WHEELS SHOW
    • WINTHROP BALLOON ROUNDUP
    • RINK HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS
  • BUSINESS DIRECTORY
    • BUSINESS DIRECTORY
    • JOIN THE CHAMBER
  • BLOG
    • WINTHROP NEWS ROUNDUP
    • VISITOR STORIES
You are here: Home / ABOUT WINTHROP / HISTORY

HISTORY

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

The history of the Methow Valley Winthrop Washington

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

Guy Waring

Although Waring is the acclaimed founding father, the town is named after Theodore Winthrop, a Yale graduate, adventurer/traveler and gifted 19th century author. The town was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1893. Waring’s original Duck Brand Saloon (considered the best run saloon in the country by numerous church publications) was built in 1891.

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

Owen Wister, Waring’s Harvard roommate, wrote The Virginian, America’s first western novel, after honey-mooning 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 of 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 who wanted “to make the design as authentic as possible in order to preserve the spirit of the valley”. The original signs were created by Chet Endrezzi.

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

Horseback Riding in Winthrop, horseback riding in Winthrop wa lakes in Winthrop wa Methow xc skiing Methow Valley
Book Lodging

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email

Primary Sidebar

Winthrop Washington Logo

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Blogroll

  • Volunteer Methow
  • Town Government
  • Newly Opened Mountain Biking Trail
  • Winthrop Wine Walk
  • NHL Article about Winthrop

CALENDAR

Footer

Still Looking for Something?

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
Winthrop Washington Logo
  • ABOUT WINTHROP
  • STAY
  • PLAY
  • EVENTS
  • BUSINESS DIRECTORY
  • BLOG

Copyright © 2021 · created by Methow Valley Media - Winthrop Washington 202 Riverside Ave Winthrop, WA 98862 509-996-2125

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.