From Your Corner of Washington: Kennewick’s name
Photograph courtesy of City of Kennewick
Located in Benton County along the Columbia River, this town of 68,570 comprises the Tri-Cities, along with Richland and Pasco. The Tri-Cities lays claim to having 300 days of sunshine a year, something that we “coasties” are severely lacking, especially during one the coldest, wettest springs on record on the west side of the Cascades. The Tri-Cities also host the annual Columbia Cup hydro races, which are set for July 29-31.
Kennewick’s name is derived from an Indian word kin-i-wack, meaning “grassy place” “winter paradise” or “dried acorns.” The name was given in 1883 by H.S. Huson of the Northern Pacific Irrigation Co.