A BRIEF HISTORY OF LEAVENWORTH
Leavenworth’s history does not begin with the alpine tradition it knows today,
but with the proud heritage of the Yakima, Chinook and Wenatchi tribes. The
Native American tribes lived by hunting the land for deer and elk, as well as
fishing Icicle Creek for salmon. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful and
bountiful lands in North America, the three tribes co-existed from Lake
Wenatchee to the Icicle and beyond.
The area was eventually settled by pioneers in search of gold, furs and fertile
farmland. Stakes were claimed, land was tracked, and the Leavenworth area was
soon bustling with settlers. By 1890, the original town was built on the Icicle
Flats.
But it wasn’t until the end of the century when the town began to blossom with
the arrival of the rail line. The Great Northern Railway Company’s tracks
through Leavenworth brought with them opportunities for work, commerce and a new
economy.
A sawmill and a healthy logging industry eventually fell apart, however, when
the Great Northern Railway Company pulled out of Leavenworth. The re-routing of
the railroad and the subsequent closure of the sawmill sadly converted the town
from a bustling, thriving hub of commerce into a hollow, empty community. For
more than thirty years, Leavenworth lived on the brink of extinction.Leavenworth is a fascinating little
town. The first settlers in 1885
came here to mine, farm, raise
livestock and to log. A few years
later, in 1892, the Great Northern
Railroad was finished and the line
came to Leavenworth via Stevens
Pass. The railroad brought immense
growth and the town was incorporated
in 1906. The growth did not last
very long, however, and in the
1920's the sawmill closed and the
railroad was rerouted and it
by-passed Leavenworth. The
following years, with the Great
Depression and the wars, were very
tough on the community.
In 1962,
several residents went to the
University of Washington's Bureau of
Community Development for
assistance. The town was studied
for a year and the result was the
development of the Bavarian theme.
The residents traveled to Europe to
be sure their "new" town would be as
authentic as possible. They
mortgaged everything to make this
endeavor work. There was no state
or federal money to help, so it was
a true community effort.
Old and new buildings alike are
required by city ordinances to meet
appearance codes to fit with the
Bavaian theme. The townspeople and
shopowners have taken this theme to
heart, and now the entire town is
like being in a Bavarian Village in
Europe. There are many inns and
pensions to stay at for your visit,
and most restaurants feature German
and/or Austrian foods. The town has
many festivals each year, and many
are focused on life in Bavaria.
But in the early 1960’s, everything changed. In a last-chance
effort to turn their precarious situation around, the leaders of the community
decided to change Leavenworth’s appearance, hoping to bring
tourism into the area. Using the beautiful backdrop of the surrounding Alpine
hills to their advantage, the town agreed to remodel their hamlet in the form of
a Bavarian village.
Hoping to create more than a mere facelift, the entire community rallied to
create the illusion of Bavaria in the middle of Washington state. Besides the
complete renovation of the downtown area, community members worked to begin a
series of festivals. The Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest and the extremely popular
Christmas Lighting Ceremony were the first of many attractions Leavenworth
offered to passers-by.
It worked. Since the change to a Bavarian motif, Leavenworth has
become a pillar of the tourism industry in the Pacific Northwest. Today, more
than a million tourists come to Leavenworth each year, each visitor finding
their own individual love affair with the community. The story is a landmark
case of the human spirit: Not only did the people of Leavenworth survive their
most critical hour, but they endured.
The Upper Valley Museum Leavenworth,
347 Division St. (tel. 509/548-0728), in a beautiful historic home, is a
work in progress. When finally completed, it will showcase the history
of the valley. Currently, the grounds are open to the public, and some
small exhibits are in the old house. From May through October, the
museum is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 6pm; the rest of the
year, it closes at 4pm.
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Leavenworth Attractions
Below are some of the shops, restaurants,
attractions and events that await you in Leavenworth. |
Getting to Leavenworth Washington
Getting to Leavenworth is trickier than just jumping in
the car and driving off. Always check the pass reports before
leaving, and maybe even while on the road. |
About Leavenworth
“All we have to offer is our village and our mountains
and our friends.” Today, it is those simple attributes that bring
millions visitors to tiny town of Leavenworth, Washington state.
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Leavenworth Restaurants
Fine dining or casual dining, it doesn't matter come try
some of our local fare, it will be sure and bring you back again and
again. |
Shopping in Leavenworth
Leavenworth has shops for everyone mostly
locally owned and operated, come visit some of our very famous one of a
kind shops. |
Bavarian Soap & Candle
Factory
See how its made. Handmade all natural soaps
and brillant craftsman candles. True to the heritage of high mountain
craftsmanship using the flowers, fruits & fragrances of Alpine meadows. |
Die Musik Box, Leavenworth
in-stock inventory of over 4,000 unique musical items, which may be the
best selection of music boxes available on the planet! |
Galleries, Leavenworth
Fine gold and silver jewellery, wildlife/scenic photography , fine art,
featuring local artists come and bring back that memorable piece of
Leavenworth home with you. |
History of Leavenworth
Since the change to a Bavarian motif, Leavenworth has become a pillar of
the tourism industry in the Pacific Northwest. Today, more than a
million tourists come to Leavenworth each year. |
Icicle
Junction Leavenworth
Icicle Junction Activity Center serves up a great time every day for the
entire family! You'll find great kids activities and things to do for
the entire family here on your visit to Leavenworth! |
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Leavenworth Golf Courses |
Kahler Glen Golf Course
Washington State's unique mountain golf course. Our 18 hole course
located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains will challenge your
golfing skills. |
Leavenworth Golf Club
The 18-hole Leavenworth Golf Course is located one mile from the
beautiful Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, Washington. |
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Leavenworth Events and Festivals |
Leavenworth
Christmas Festival
Modeling itself after
the open-air Christmas markets in Germany, the market presents the
sights, sounds and smells of a traditional market. Entertainment,
vendors' booths and a children's lantern parade. Fun for the entire
family as Leavenworth kicks off an exciting Christmas Season. |
Christmas
Lighting Festival
1st, 2nd & 3rd weekends
Visitors come back year after year for this famous Leavenworth festival.
Fridays the town is in darkness awaiting Saturday's festivities. The
aroma of food booths and roasting chestnuts fills the air; holiday music
from the gazebo encircles the village while youngsters sled in the park;
holiday personalities stroll the streets; Santa, St. Nick and Father
Christmas provide photo opportunities and sleigh rides are minutes away.
At dusk everyone gathers to sing "Silent Night" and witness the lighting
of the village as it is transformed into a magical wonderland of lights. |
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Leavenworth
Ale-Fest
April 25 & 26, 2009
Come have fun with us for “An-Ale-Of-A-Party!” |
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Each and every year Leavenworth proudly offers it's visitors a truly
traditional Oktoberfest celebration. A great celebration of German food
& beer, and dancing to live German music. You'll also find arts &
crafts, a used Bavarian clothing sale, musical groups from Germany and
the U.S., and a traditional Oktoberfest procession. |
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Washington
State Autumn Leaf Festival
Leavenworth is the Pacific Northwest's "Autumn Spectacular"! Come and
see the beautiful colors and take part in one of our state's most
celebrated festivals! A Grand Parade kicks of the festivities in style
starting at noon on Saturday! A family-fun event with entertainment,
food booths, oom pah music in the streets and much more. |
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Wenatchee River Salmon Festival
Each and every year Leavenworth celebrates the return of the salmon to
the Wenatchee River. This celebration includes activities for the entire
family including educational activities, entertainment, arts & crafts,
and more! |
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Leavenworth Attractions |
Leavenworth Outdoors
Hiking in the great outdoors, exploring by horseback,
fishing , rafting, rock climbing or winter skiing Leavenworth has
something for any outdoor enthusiast any time of year. |
Leavenworth National Fish
Hatchery
Travel to the west end of Leavenworth on US Highway 2,
and turn south for a beautiful two mile drive to the Leavenworth
National Fish Hatchery. |
Leavenworth Vacation
Leavenworth is world famous for its year round Bavarian
and cultural festivals. Citizens converted the town to a replica
Bavarian Village years ago and it has become the most popular attraction
in Washington state with its authentic Bavarian architecture, parks and
shops. It is situated on the pristine Wenatchee river and hosts sporting
events year round. |
Leavenworth Nutcracker
Museum
Displaying well over 5,000 nutcrackers originating from
over 40 countries, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is a definitely a
place you will want to visit. |
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Leavenworth Summer Theater
Shows take place in July & August at
the Leavenworth
FestHalle |
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Upper Valley Museum Leavenworth
has a Gift Shop, "Plumes of the Past", where you can purchase items of
interest about the history of Wenatchee Valley area. |
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