The town of Easton is so named because it is the first town east of the Cascade divide. The town has figured prominently in the history of transportation between astern and western Washington. The town site was platted by the Johnson Brothers in 1902. The railroads have always played a large part in the rise and fall of Easton's fortunes. In 1903 the only saloon in Easton had to be moved to accommodate the Milwaukee Railroad right of way. Of course, once the railroad was established, the town flourished and saloons "sprung up like mushrooms." At one point, there were 12 saloons operating in Easton. Fires also played a large part in Easton's history. Several large fires burned down most of the businesses, which were rapidly rebuilt. After the railways, Easton experienced another small boom with the building of the Easton Lake Dam and the High Line Canal in 1928 and 1929.But in 1934 another fire burned all the businesses to the ground. Today Easton is a small but flourishing community that is neighbor to some of the most beautiful recreational areas in the country.

Copyright ©2007 Northern Kittitas County Tribune. Reprinted with permission.