Kennewick Washington who’s Indian name is “Winter Heaven” named for its mild winters. This was a popular winter camping ground for the Chemnapum Indians where they fished for salmon in the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers while their horses grazed in the surrounding hills. The first white settlement appeared at the mouth of the Yakima River in 1863. By 1892, Nelson Rich and Howard Amon had formed the Benton Land and Water Company bringing irrigation to the area for the first time.

For many years, the town grew slowly. The advent of the Second World War changed things drastically for the Tri-Cities. Kennewick and its' sister cities Richland and Pasco, are commonly known as the Tri-Cities. The Hanford Atomic Project in Richland, brought thousands of people to the area. Kennewick encompasses 26.77 square miles with a population of 65,860. It is the largest of the Tri-Cities.

Today wineries are in abundance. The area produces very good wines, the river still sparkles, and fish are thriving. Homes are still reasonably priced. The weather is great. (Except for the occasional wind) Welcome to Kennewick, Washington in Benton County.