Rosalia Washington Tourism

Rosalia, located on Highway 195 approximately 35 miles south of Spokane is the northern most town of 16 incorporated communities in Whitman County.

Just inside the northern most boundary of the famous “Palouse Country,” Rosalia was established is 1872 and recently listed as a Washington State Territorial Town by the Office of Secretary of State. The “Palouse” is one of only a few areas on earth with the unique wind-blown loess soil (100 ft. + deep in many areas), making the county one of the largest wheat, pea and lentil producing areas in the world.

The antique, Howard Street Clock stands proudly on the main street, and symbolizes old-fashioned values and friendly service you’ll find in Rosalia. This 20 ft., 3,000 pound, 7 day clock was once the official time piece for Portland, Oregon. It was dedicated there in 1905 commemorating the centennial of the Lewis and Clark Exposition. Restored and donated by local collector and clocksmith, Clifford Harthill, it found its home in Rosalia in 1962. Across from the clock is the 1923 Central Service Station. A Texaco Station since 1926 it is now being restored to historic building preservation standards. Once completed to its original condition, it will serve a two-fold purpose: 1) welcoming visitors to Rosalia and Whitman County and 2) an interpretive center for the Steptoe Battlefield. The Museum is located in the historic Rosalia City Hall building. Opened in 1970, it displays a Steptoe Battlefield exhibit, an authentic cell from the towns turn of the century jail house, an unusually large meteorite specimen found south of town, hundreds of relics and photos of pioneers and farming days of the past.

The first weekend in June, the Annual Battle Days Celebrations marks the 1858 battle between Colonel Edward J. Steptoe, his U.S. Cavalry and several local Native American tribes. The “Battle of Tohotommine” took place on the southeast hill above town, and there you can photograph the 25 ft. granite obelisk, a monument dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1914. This state park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

On the south edge of town, spanning Pine Creek, just below Steptoe’s “last stand” one can see the long-curved Roman-arched railroad bridge, built in 1913 by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. This rail line was abandoned by the Old Milwaukee Railroad, and later became an intrinsic part of the east end of the John Wayne Trail used by many, including trail riders, hikers and walkers. The area surrounding Rosalia is an outdoor lover’s paradise with several deep, basalt-rimmed lakes and a perfect region for the bird and deer hunting enthusiast.

Milwaukee Road Bridge, Rosalia