The year is 2025—and Columbia County is turning 150! In 1875, Columbia County officially came into existence after a successful effort to separate from the expansive Walla Walla County, which at the time stretched all the way to the Idaho border. While an initial attempt to form a new county in 1869 failed, a second effort in 1875 succeeded, and on or around November 29 of that year, Columbia County was born. Originally extending to the Idaho state line, the eastern portion later became Garfield County in 1881. Now, 150 years later, we’re celebrating a legacy shaped by generations of resilience, progress, and community spirit.
To mark this milestone, the Port of Columbia, at the request of the Columbia County Commissioners, is leading a broad coalition of partners in organizing a countywide year-long celebration. The planning committee includes representatives from Columbia County, Port of Columbia, City of Dayton, Town of Starbuck, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Dayton Development Task Force, Blue Mountain Heritage Society, Dayton Historic Depot Society, Dayton School District, Starbuck School District, Touchet Valley Arts Council, Columbia County Fair Association, Historic Dayton Days, Columbia County Rural Library Association, Dayton Alumni Association, and the Dayton Chronicle. Together, the committee proudly adopted the theme: “Columbia County – 150 Years of Heritage and Heart.”
The keystone event will be a community Sesquicentennial Celebration on October 4th. Part of that celebration includes the unveiling of a new mural commissioned by the committee working on the event as their legacy gift to the community. The mural, funded by the Dayton Development Task Force and the Wildhorse Foundation, represents the movement of Dayton from its storied past into a bright future. Details on the event included below.
Our celebration kicked off at Historic Dayton Days over Memorial Day weekend with the unveiling of the Sesquicentennial logo being presented in the annual parade. Committee members created a “Walk Through History” parade entry featuring the logo and historical elements including a horse and carriage ferrying the current County Commissioners, a restored antique tractor and a modern piece of farm equipment. The Columbia County Fair Association also participated with their annual community float tailored to the Sesquicentennial featuring the logo and the 2025 Fair Hostesses (Royalty).
Committee members have also participated with displays in All Wheels Weekend Car Show in June and the annual Alumni gathering in July, and the Columbia County Fair went all out, embracing the theme Columbia County, 150 Years of Heritage and Heart and centering fair activities around this special anniversary.
The Sesquicentennial Legacy Event, set for October 4th, invites everyone to take part in a vibrant day of history, community, and celebration.
Schedule of Events
- 10 am – 3 pm – Art Walk by the Blue Mountain Artists
Moose Creek Café & Bakery, Dayton Historic Depot, Locally Nourished - 11 am – Opening Ceremony
Dayton Historic Depot, 222 E Commercial: Local, State, and Federal Dignitaries arrive by Stagecoach to open the event - 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Meet-Your-Neighbor “Chuckwagon” Lunch by The Q
Dayton Historic Depot: Free (Quantity is Limited). Tickets are required and may be picked up at the Dayton Chronicle, Dingle’s, the Dayton Chamber, Locally Nourished, Bank of Idaho, the Dayton Historic Depot or the Port of Columbia or call the Port at 509-382-2577 by Thursday, October 2 to reserve tickets. - 12 – 3 pm – Downtown Guided Walking Tours & Living History Vignettes
Living History Players portray early Col Co figures at historic venues. Tours start at the Depot. - 1 – 1:45 pm – Sauerkraut & Stories with Mr. Stine
Boldman House Museum, 410 N 1st - 3 – 4 pm – Ice Cream Social
Columbia County Courthouse, 341 E Main. Hand dipped ice cream & Weinhard Root beer Floats - Closing Ceremony and Mural Unveiling
Palus Museum/Old Scott Lumber Building, 426 E Main. Come see the unveiling of the Sesquicentennial Committee’s gift to the community
As part of the yearlong Sesquicentennial celebration, the final tribute to 150 Years of Heritage and Heart will take place during Dayton’s beloved Christmas Kick Off in November. This festive closing event will feature holiday-themed activities with a historic twist, including horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, vintage decorations, and a special appearance by characters from Columbia County’s past. Warm up with hot cocoa, enjoy live music and lights, and help us close out this milestone year with community cheer and timeless holiday magic.