Bickleton, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bickleton, Washington
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The Bluebird Tavern in Bickleton
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Location of Bickleton in Klickitat County, Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Klickitat |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.7 sq mi (12.1 km2) |
| • Land | 4.7 sq mi (12.1 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,018 ft (920 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 92 |
| • Density | 19.69/sq mi (7.60/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
99322
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| Area code(s) | 509 |
| FIPS code | 53-05980 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1512007 |
Bickleton is a small community in Klickitat County, Washington, in the United States. It's known as a census-designated place, which means it's a specific area counted by the government.
The town was first settled by Charles N. Bickle in 1879. In 2020, about 92 people lived there. This was a small increase from 88 people in 2010.
Contents
History of Bickleton
Bickleton was founded by Charles N. Bickle. He set up a trading post and a place for horses called a livery stable. He also became the first postmaster for the area. The town was named after him in 1879.
In the beginning, Bickleton's economy mainly relied on raising cattle and growing wheat. Over the years, some of the town's original buildings were destroyed by fires in 1937 and 1947.
Oldest Building and Fun Events
The oldest building still standing in Bickleton is the Bluebird Inn. This tavern first opened its doors in 1882. It's said to be the oldest working tavern in Washington state. Inside, you can find a 1903 Brunswick pool table that people still use today.
Every year since 1910, Bickleton has hosted an annual picnic and rodeo. It's a big event for the community! The festival also features a special 1905 Herschell-Spillman carousel. The town bought this carousel from a park in Portland, Oregon, back in 1928.
Bickleton: The Bluebird Capital
Bickleton is famous for being the "bluebird capital of the world." This special nickname started in the 1960s. A couple named Jess and Elva Brinkerhoff were having a picnic and put a can in a tree for some birds. This simple act became very popular.
Now, there are thousands of birdhouses built just for bluebirds in Bickleton. Both the mountain bluebird and the western bluebird make their homes here. Keeping these birdhouses clean is a big job for the people who live in Bickleton. This work is supported by money made from selling bluebird souvenirs to visitors at Whitmore's Whoop-n-Holler Ranch Museum.
Geography and Climate
Bickleton is located in the northeastern part of Klickitat County. It sits south of the Horse Heaven Hills and the Yakama Indian Reservation. The community is about 66 miles (106 km) west of Kennewick. It's also about 22 miles (35 km) north of the Columbia River at Roosevelt.
The total area of Bickleton is about 12.1 square kilometers (4.7 square miles). All of this area is land.
Bickleton's Weather
Bickleton has a type of weather called a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. This means it usually has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2000 | 113 | — | |
| 2010 | 88 | −22.1% | |
| 2020 | 92 | 4.5% | |
| US Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 113 people living in Bickleton. By 2020, the population was 92.
The people in Bickleton are of different ages. In 2000, about 25.7% of the population was under 18 years old. About 15% were 65 years old or older. The average age in Bickleton was 42 years.
