Wanapum Dam area history sign

This sign at the Wanapum Dam reads,

History of the Wanapum Dam Area

This area was in the territory claimed by the Wanapum Indians, whose main village was at Priest Rapids Dam. Many Indians lived on both sides of this river. The main Indian fishery was located at Priest Rapids Dam. Several old military wagon roads passed through this area. In 1858 Gen. Joel Palmer passed here while freighting mining supplies to the Cariboo Mines in Canada. In the 1860's thousands of cattle were driven past this point from Oregon to the Canadian gold fields. Craigs ferry was operating in 1905 at the mouth of Crab Creek. The hills across the river are in the U.S. military training exercise reservation known as the Yakima Firing Range.

Grant County Historical Society