Waitsburg, WA Doesn't Follow the Same Rules Every Other City Does

Washington State has nearly 300 cities but only one still operates under rules like it's 1886; have you ever been to Waitsburg before?

Because Waitsburg was founded before 1889 when Washington joined the Union, and because its town council declined to be incorporated to become a full-fledged city, it was grandfathered in and allowed by the legislature to keep their original town charter.

Stability is a key to life here. The railroad that was built in 1881 continues to run today, and the city government was organized that same year. Currently, it's the only city in the state of Washington which still operates under the terms of its Territorial Charter. - City of Waitsburg

Walla Walla County's Mysterious Town of Waitsburg

If you're ever on Jeopardy or in a fiercely competitive trivia night team, you're so gonna thank me for telling you about Waitsburg. Located in Walla Walla County, this town of less than 1300 people still operates under the original charter that was made back in the 1800s. How do they get away with it after all this time, I have no idea, but from the sounds of things, this town runs a tight ship!

Sylvester Wait founded the town in 1865, the same year as the Emancipation Proclamation. He was a farmer and built a grist mill. (What's a grist mill, you ask? This outta help you out.)

Some of the town's original buildings still stand, no thanks to the big fire of 1880, which nearly wiped out the town.

What's in the Town's Charter?

The charter includes instructions on the towns borders, powers bestowed to the city including details for collecting taxes, land allotments, city operations and maintenance, city council rules, construction, water rights, and more. Read the full charter on this public website.

WHEREAS, The original name of the little village which grew up around Wait's Mill was Delta, until it was decided by popular vote to rename the post office to Waitsburg in 1868... - WA State Legislature

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Waitsburg Hardware and Mercantile in Waitsburg WA. Photo Credit: Google Street View

Things to Do in Waitsburg

You can visit some of the shops, go wine tasting, and chat it up with the locals.

Take a walk down Main St and peek at the historic Waitsburg Hardware and Mercantile building. It might not be open anymore, but it was, after all, the town's first general store.

Pioneer Fall Festival

This annual Waitsburg Fall Festival event showcases what life must have been like in the old pioneer days when the Homestead Act brought in settlers claiming land away from the Walla Walla tribes. It's always held on the third Sunday in September.

They have a town pie-eating contest, non-denominational church service, antique fashion show, horse drawn carriages, and the museum will have interactive displays. Don't forget to grab a Buffalo Burger!