A History of Agriculture in the Yakima Valley Washington from 1880 to 1900 (part 4).
Date
1940
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UNKNOWN
Abstract
"It has been generally conceded that the first irrigation ditch in the valley was constructed about 1853 by the Indian, Chief Kamiakin, to whom the idea probably was suggested by Catholic missionaries with whom he was a close friend. That ditch was dug from a branch of the Ahtanum Creek, was about a quarter of a mile in length, and was used by Kamiakin to water his garden. The first irrigation enterprise to be undertaken by white men was probably that of N. T. Goodwin, who in about 1867, dug a small ditch from the Yakima River to irrigate a small wheat field. The results of watering that five-acre field were so encouraging that a group of farmers, Messrs. Goodwin, Stoolcop, Vaughn, Mayberry, and Simmons began work on the first cooperative enterprise in irrigation in the valley."
Description
26 sheets 8.5 x 11 inch. Typed.