Dayton, Washington

This charming small town has the oldest train station (1881) and the oldest working courthouse (1887) in the state. Dayton has 117 commercial and residential structures on the National Register of Historic Places and walking tours of these buildings are a popular pastime. Dayton lies between the foothills of the Blue Mountains and bluffs of the Snake River. Both provide opportunities for lovers of the out-of-doors. Other visitors to the area come to retrace the Lewis and Clark Trail or to participate in tours of Puget Sound Energy’s Hopkins Ridge Wind Facility. Live performances are provided by the Liberty Theater on Main Street. Dayton is the county seat of Columbia County and has been recognized as a Preserve America Community. The town was incorporated by Jesse Day on November 10, 1881. Its name is in honor of Mr. Day.