Discover the Little City Known as the `Apple Capital of the World`

Apples are delicious fruits that come in many different sizes and colors. There are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown across the globe and 2,500 in the U.S. alone. The most popular variety of apples sold in the U.S. is red delicious apples. They’ve been around for a long time, since the 1870s, and their bright red skin and versatility have made them a favorite of many consumers. Apples are a part of many of our celebrations and traditions, like bobbing for apples or making apple pies during the fall.

In the United States, there’s a little city that is all about apples. The city of Wenatchee in Washington State is known as the ‘Apple Capital of the World.’

Why Is Wenatchee the “Apple Capital of the World”?

There are a few reasons why Wenatchee got its nickname. The area that makes up the city used to be inhabited by a tribe of Pisquose Indians who were known as the Wenatchi. When the city was settled and incorporated in 1893 it was named after the tribe. 

One reason why Wenatchee is called the “Apple Capital of the World” is because there are so many miles of apple orchards. A few years before the city was incorporated, Phillip Miller planted the city’s first apple trees. He was one of the first white settlers to settle down in Wenatchee, and he planted the trees in 1872. 

Wenatchee’s first commercial apple orchard was started a few years later in 1884. Once the Great Northern Railway Company completed its route across Stevens Pass connecting Wenatchee to Seattle, the small city could ship the fruit. In 1901, the first load of apples was shipped from Wenatchee to Seattle and they were well received by consumers. A year later, in 1902, residents of Wenatchee began to proclaim the town as the ‘Apple Capital of the World.’

Finally, one last reason that the city got its name is because it is the site of the annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival. It’s also the home of the Washington Apple Commission — an organization with a focus on increasing the consumption of Washington’s apples.

A City by Many Names

You know a city is unique when it has an interesting nickname, but even more so when it has more than one! Wenatchee is also called the “Buckle of the Power Belt of the Great Northwest.” That’s because of its location along the Columbia River, which has many hydroelectric dams along it. One of those dams, Rock Island Dam in Wenatchee, lies in the center of the “belt” which makes it look like the “buckle.” While this saying isn’t very popular, it is printed on the top of each issue of the Wenatchee newspaper, The Wenatchee World.

History of Wenatchee

Wenatchee has a much deeper history than many places. Archaeological digs have been conducted in the area that has found tools dating back to over 11,000 years ago. This means that early groups of people inhabited Wenatchee when they migrated during the last Ice Age. This unique bit of history is stored and displayed at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center.

In modern history, the first settlers to the area (non-Native American) were prospectors looking for gold, miners, and cattlemen. They traded with the Native American settlers at a trading post that was where Rock Island is now. As trade grew and the Great Northern Railway completed construction on its train depot a mile south of the city, Wenatchee began to grow. In 1891, it was 108. Just one year later it had almost tripled to 300. That was the year that the train depot was completed.

The train depot made Wenatchee a place of trade and commerce at a perfect mid-point between the larger cities of Spokane and Seattle. When the Great Northern Railway Company created the depot, they worked in conjunction with the Wenatchee Development Company. The two companies worked together, surveying and platting the entire city of Wenatchee. They sold the properties to new residents and Wenatchee began expanding. By 1900, the population was 451, and just ten years later expanded to 4,050. 

Expanding the City of Wenatchee

The expansion was partially because of the new addition to the railroad, but it was also because the area had become the “Apple Capital of the World” at this point. The Wenatchee Valley, where the city is situated, had the right aridity, rich soil, and a perfect climate for growing apples. Everyone was flocking to the city to see what the quaint area had to offer. As the apple industry grew, the area also saw thriving steamboat transportation and shipping industries spring up as well. 

The population grew again from 1910 to 1920, expanding by a little over 2,000 new residents. Then, in 1930, Wenatchee saw a giant jump in its population. It expanded from 6,324 people in 1920 to 11,627 in 1930. This 5,000-plus gain in population has a lot to do with the success of the apple orchards, as well as the many businesses in town. By this point, Wenatchee had a commercial district and a downtown with churches, theaters, and two thriving newspapers. There was an educational system in place and libraries available to visit. The city had begun to attract residents who were looking for the type of amenities you could find in Wenatchee. 

The completion of the two hydroelectric power dams in the city after 1930 also led to further expansion. Rock Island Dam was completed in 1932, and Grand Coulee Dam was ready for operation 10 years later. They drew in more residents who needed secure work which led to the town growing more. By the 2020 census, Wenatchee’s population had reached just over 35,500.

What to Do in Wenatchee

The Apple Capital of the World is a great place to visit at almost any time of the year because you’re bound to find something happening. If you visit in the summer, then consider exploring the Wenatchee River and Lake, as well as the Columbia River. If you travel to Wenatchee in the winter, there are some great places to go skiing and snowboarding nearby. 

Within the town, there are a few apple-tastic activities that may pique your interest. There is an “Apple Capital Loop”, which is 10 miles and loops around the city. The annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival goes on every year around April or May. It lasts for around two weeks and features apple-themed activities, carnival rides, and car shows! It’s the oldest running major festival in the state! If you’re planning to visit, try to make it in time for the Apple Blossom Festival. The future dates are scheduled out until 2060, so you can plan your vacation well in advance.

Local Flora and Fauna

The major flora in Wenatchee is the apple orchards, but there are quite a few animals you can find living in and around them. Wenatchee and the Columbia River Valley are full of unique wildlife. You can spot bighorn sheep, mountain goats, Rocky Mountain elk, and plenty of small mammals. When on the “Apple Capital Loop,” you can spot deer, skunks, and many different types of birds. 

Whether it’s because it was the birthplace of the Washington Apple Commission or the city’s seemingly endless apple orchards, there’s just something special about Wenatchee. The ‘Apple Capital of the World’ is a great place to visit and explore. There’s plenty to do for everyone, from checking out the 10-mile Apple Capital Loop to dining at some of the town’s quaint restaurants.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mark Lee/iStock via Getty Images