Located in northeastern Washington and sandwiched between Okanogan County to the west and Stevens County to the east, Ferry County (population 7,800) is home to Sherman Pass, which, at 5,575 feet, is the highest drivable pass in the state.  The county seat is Republic, which is also the county’s most populated town (1,005). About half of this rugged, scenic county is within the Colville Indian Reservation.

Ferry County was established in 1899 and named after Elisha P. Ferry, the first governor of the state of Washington. Ferry previously served as governor of Washington Territory from 1872 to 1880. The initial bill called for the county to be designated as Eureka County.

The 1968 photo above, courtesy of Washington State Archives, features the McDonald house, located inside the county.

For more info about Ferry County, go here and here .