Kamiakin's Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kamiakin's Gardens
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Nearest city | Union Gap, Washington |
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| Area | 7.8 acres (3.2 ha) |
| Built | 1848 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001926 |
| Added to NRHP | December 22, 1976 |
Kamiakin's Gardens are a very important historical site in central Washington state. They were the first place in the Yakima River valley to use irrigation. This means people brought water to the land to help crops grow.
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What Are Kamiakin's Gardens?
Kamiakin's Gardens were created by Chief Kamiakin. He was a respected leader of the Yakama Nation. He lived from about 1800 to 1877. His goal was to find a peaceful way for his people to live. He wanted them to avoid problems with new settlers. These settlers and missionaries started arriving in the area around the 1840s.
Chief Kamiakin's Vision
Chief Kamiakin had a clever idea. He wanted his people to live in one place and farm. This would help them stay out of the way of the new settlers. He ordered a special ditch to be dug. This ditch brought water from Ahtanum Creek to a plot of land. The water helped crops like squash, corn, and potatoes grow. Settlers later called this water channel "Kamiakin's Ditch." In 1851, a Catholic mission was also built near the creek.
A Time of Change and Conflict
Even with Chief Kamiakin's efforts, avoiding conflict became difficult. He became a leader during the Yakima War in the 1850s. This was a time of big changes and challenges for the region. The irrigated area was quite large, about 1,300 feet (400 m) long. Even today, you can still see parts of the original ditch. The land is still watered using similar methods.
A Historic Landmark Today
Kamiakin's Gardens are recognized as a special historical place. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 22, 1976. This listing helps protect and remember important sites in American history.
