“E-burg,” as it is affectionately known, is both the home of Central Washington University and the seat of Kittitas County.

Located in the heart of the Kittitas Valley, the town of 17,230 is renowned for the Ellensburg Rodeo, considered one of the top 10 professional rodeos in the nation and held every Labor Day weekend. It’s also known for its gusty winds that blow in from the Cascades, especially in the spring. The area also has a long agricultural history, especially cattle.

How did this town get its name? After settlers began moving into the valley in the early 1860s, a trading post was established in the early 1870s near what is the present corner of Third and Main streets. John Shoudy bought the store, known as Robbers’ Roost, along with the 160-acre claim, and plotted the future townsite, named for his wife Mary Ellen.

Ellensburg was the site for the state Admissions Convention in 1889, which was organized by citizens in Washington Territory who wanted to petition Congress for statehood. Many had hoped Ellensburg would be named the state capital due to its central location, but Olympia was chosen instead.

For more info about Ellensburg, go here.