State Park Enjoys A Long History

Many of us have enjoyed the Lewis and Clark Trail State Park off Highway 12 between Dayton and Waitsburg. Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is located on what is one of the first homestead sites in Washington Territory. James Bennett homesteaded the 160 acres in1854. In 1867, Bennett traded Mr. Bateman a team and a wagon for rights to the land. Driving onto their property with a wagon, the Batemans went right over the saplings which are now the stately pines growing in the park. The tops of the trees are still bent as a result of that early wagon trail.

I was interested in the statements on the marker in the park, "In early March of 1806, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery passed through here on their return from the Pacific Ocean heading Eastwardhellip; While in the region the hungry men ate cow parsnips and DOC for lack of better provisions." This area was often referred to as "Shilo" and used for camp meetings.

In 1933 civic clubs in Dayton and Waitsburg were interested in acquiring 35 acres of wooded land of the Bateman property for use as a state park. On July 16, 1933, an inter-county picnic took place at the Bateman grove. At the time, the committee composed of men from Dayton and Waitsburg reported that they had an option to buy the 35 acres north of Highway 12 for $2,000. The land was purchased, and soon after 15 acres to the south was added (the camping side). The property was deeded to the state in 1934.

The July 20, 1934, Waitsburg Times reported, "Tourists are learning the beauty and comfort of the resting place and have availed themselves of the opportunity of stopping there." Cars from every state in the Union, as well as many foreign cars have been in the park every year. It has provided rest and recreation to thousands to this day.