The Disgraceful Trail to Wenatchee
Local stockmen and Seattle merchants push for a real wagon road to connect the Okanogan valley to the Great Northern railway, arguing the existing path is an obstacle to trade.
Some three weeks ago, J. A. Strawn drove from the upper Okanogan valley to Wenatchee 280 head of fat cattle and on Saturday last passed through Chelan with another herd of 315 head. These cattle are driven down the right bank of the Columbia to Wenatchee and there shipped over the Great Northern railway to Seattle. The trail over which they are compelled to travel is simply a disgraceful thoroughfare for a country like this to tolerate. The merchants and stockmen of Seattle and other Sound cities have a mutual interest with the people of Okanogan county in opening a good wagon road along the route of this trail. Aside from what Wenatchee has expressed a willingness to do, the road could be completed for $2,300 or $3,000. Cannot the Post-Intelligencer bring some influence to bear by which this money can be raised and a much-needed road built?
“The trail over which they are compelled to travel is simply a disgraceful thoroughfare for a country like this to tolerate.”
The infrastructure struggle to connect rural agricultural resources to urban hubs remains a core component of Washington’s state economy, echoing today’s debates over freight logistics and Eastern Washington transportation funding.
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