Welcome to Pullman, Washington

More in tour 1. Please email us if you want your business listed. Don't forget outfitters & guide services, parks, campgrounds, backpacking or hiking trails. 

In 1881, the first Post Office was established and the town was named Pullman, in honor of George Pullman who invented the Pullman sleeping car. In 1883 the railroad came to town and Pullman has experienced a steady growth to its current population of 24,700. A great deal of the population is attributed to Washington State University. WSU is a public, land-grant university that originated in 1892 as an agricultural college. 

Moscow, Idaho and the University of Idaho are just 8 miles east. The two communities and their Universities are so intertwined it is almost like one community. So… we shall introduce them as such. 

A FRIENDLY WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY CITIES

Over 40,000 residents in the university cities extend you a warm welcome! Whether you are a newcomer or just visiting, we know you’ll find Moscow, Idaho, and Pullman, Washington, to be friendly communities.

It’s easy to be good natured living in the university cities. Why? Because we have the best that life has to offer, Things like knowing your neighbors, living just 5 to 15 minutes from your place of work, no traffic jams, and a low crime rate contribute to a mellow lifestyle.

But mellow doesn’t mean boring! While we reap the benefits of small-town living, there is an element of surprise in our big-city mixture of sports, arts, festivals and cultural events. We have frequent performances of ballets, symphonies, plays and concerts to entertain you.

The university cities are nestled in the heart of an area referred to as the Palouse. The name comes from the French word "pelouse," meaning green lawn. Looking at the lush, velvety rolling hills, it’s easy to see why the National Geographic did a feature article on our region entitled "A Paradise Called the Palouse." 

Those of us who live here treasure the combination of fertile cropland and timberland interwoven between mountain ridges and river valleys. The beautiful countryside brings a dimension to living that many people only dream about. We know you’ll agree.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Before the coming of white man, Nez Perce Indians visited the Palouse Country every summer to dig camas roots which grew in the grassy meadows. The root was an important staple of the Nez Perce diet. In the early 1800’s, the region began to change with the coming of French-Canadian trappers; by the early 1860’s, miners swarmed the area prospecting for gold.

The first permanent settlers, who came to Moscow in 1871, called the area Hog Heaven and, later, paradise Valley, In 1875, the name Moscow was adopted and by 1887 Moscow was incorporated with a population of 600. Early Moscow was distinguished for its diversity of 19th century architecture, which can still be seen in the Fort Russell Historic District.

Pullman, first settled in 1876, was originally called "Three Forks" because of three creeks which converged here. Later, it was re-named in honor of George Pullman, the inventor tycoon who also gave his name to the railroad sleeping car. Despite the setback of being partially destroyed by fire three times, Pullman continued to grow and became the center of a vast wheat farming region.

HOME SWEET HOME

Housing in the university cities is very diverse. You’ll find a wide range of apartments, duplexes, condominiums and homes at prices substantially lower than the national average. You can select an elegant turn-of-the-century Victorian home, or you may prefer a modern contemporary home built with the latest efficient, energy saving construction.

Whether you rent or buy, the Moscow-Pullman real estate agents are eager to help you find the right housing situation to meet your family needs. Or if you prefer to build your dream home, we have a good variety of land, architects, contractors and construction firms waiting to serve you. Whatever you decide, we know you’ll find home sweet home.

QUALITY HEALTH CARE

In our two communities you’ll find over 75 physicians, 30 dentists, several mental health clinics and physical therapists that provide quality health care to area residents. The many varied specialties bring reassurance that medical advice is readily available.

Our hospital facilities provide the latest in technology. Gritman Memorial Hospital in Moscow is a 62-bed facility featuring one-day surgery, echocardiography, nuclear medicine, mammography, family birthing rooms, CAT scan and emergency services. The Memorial Hospital, located on the WSU campus in Pullman, has 42 beds where orthopedic surgery, obstetrical care, mammography and an endoscopy clinic are provided.

These fine facilities, along with four licensed nursing homes, numerous pharmacies, several chiropractors and many other health-related consultants, make the Moscow-Pullman communities an excellent health resource for local and regional residents. Of course, local veterinarians and 5 vet clinics offer large and small animal health care.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

The university cities have a rich resource of professional services ready to serve your personal and business needs. Approximately 20 accountants, 60 attorneys, 9 bands, 2 credit unions, 2 savings and loans, 4 title and escrow companies, 33 insurance agencies, 5 investment firms, 11 real estate agencies, 9 architects and 4 engineering firms welcome the opportunity to meet you.

IN THE PURSUIT OF EDUCATION

We are extremely proud of the outstanding educational opportunities the university cities offer students of all ages. The education of our younger students is significantly enriched by the low student-teacher ratio, interaction with various departments on the two campuses, and specialized programs designed to meet individual student educational requirements. A \high percentage of graduating high school seniors consistently qualify for national Merit Scholarships each year.

Higher education opportunities are abundant at our two universities. Together, the University of Idaho in Moscow and Washington State University in Pullman conduct over $75 million in research a year. The universities have research and teaching strengths in the fields of agriculture, ani8mal sciences, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, mines and earth resources, law, forestry and wood products, wildlife and range management, engineering, business administration, computer science, social science and the humanities.

The two universities have cooperatives programs in numerous fields and this cooperation is increasing each year.

INDUSTRIAL AND RESEARCH PROFILE

The main income-producing industries in the Palouse are agriculture, wood products and higher education. 

The Palouse is a major producer of white wheat, barley, oats and rape seed. We are also the largest U.S. producer and exporter of lentils and dry edible peas, constituting over 90 percent of U.S. production. The regional agricultural economy is supported by various agri-businesses including farm implement dealerships, chemical and fertilizer manufacturers and seed packaging plants.

Wood products manufacturing is also very important to the regional economy. Eight cedar products mills and sawmills are located in the Palouse with some shipping their products internationally. 

TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES

Being a rural area has not deterred manufacturing industries and commercial businesses from becoming an integral part of the university cities. We offer several economical modes of freight transportation to accommodate your needs. Rail transport is provided by two competitive carriers; air travel and transportation is served by the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport; and a good network of federal, state and county roads provides a balanced transportation system.

The Port of Whitman County has three river port sites located within a short distance. Barge and tug lines linked us to the coast, the Pacific Northwest and international markets.

In addition, Greyhound Bus Lines has stations in both Moscow and Pullman with daily service to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. Horizon Air provides area residents with flights scheduled daily to Spokane, Seattle, Boise, and Portland for national and international travel. The Link Transportation System (formerly Campus Link) vans have regular connections to and from the Spokane International Airport or, the rental car companies can serve you.  They may be reached at 208-882-1223 or (800-359-4541 for out-of-towners).

ENJOYING YOURSELF

There is always something to do in and around the university cities. Between the two communities, we have 17 parks that offer activities from tennis and swimming to picnicking or just taking a stroll. Both universities have gold courses plus there is a private course east of Moscow.

For camping, boating, fishing and hiking, there are a number of state and county parks located within a two-hour drive. In Washington, you’ll find Palouse Falls State Park, 75 miles west of Pullman; Kamiak Butte County Park, 10 miles north of Pullman, on Hwy. 27; and Boyer Park and Marina, 20 miles southeast of Pullman. The Idaho panhandle parks include Laird Park, 35 miles east of Moscow; Elk Creek Falls, 50 miles east on Hwy. 8 and Spring Valley Reservoir, 15 miles east on Hwy. 8.

But that’s just the beginning. Palouse Country is surrounded by National forest, wilderness areas, pristine lakes, and raging whitewater rivers.

The universities contribute a lot to our leisure-time enjoyment. Between spectator sports, music, recitals, drama, famous guest lecturers and concerts, there’s never a dull moment. The Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum regularly brings in national and international performers such as Bill Cosby, Stevie Wonder and the Royel Winnipeg Ballet.

We’re especially proud of the Washington Idaho Symphony and the American Festival Ballet, which call Moscow and Pullman home. Every February, the University of Idaho annually hosts the Lionel Hampton-Chevron Jazz Festival. Seasonal events like Moscow’s Renaissance Fair in May and July’s Rendezvous in the Park plus Pullman’s big July 4th Celebration, the Harvest Festival in the fall and the Christmas Parade each winter contribute to community fun. 

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find it in the university cities.

SHOPPING IN THE PALOUSE

Both Moscow and Pullman have major retailing centers that account for 56 percent of all establishments located in Latah and Whitman Counties. Together they produce 80 percent of the total sales volume for two counties. Retailers range from major chain and department stores to specialty shops and colorful boutiques. You can choose from a wide variety of merchandise at three shopping malls or the attractive city centers of both communities.

Building supplies, appliances, and home furnishings are plentiful, too. You can redecorate, restore, remodel or build your own home through local merchants. Our services are widely varied and you won’t have any problems finding a plumber, electrician or upholster to help you.

THE BUSINESS CLIMATE

The Moscow-Pullman communities and their local governments have developed comprehensive plans for the growth that’s occurring regionally. We have several community organizations, councils and Chambers of Commerce that have taken an aggressive stance on business assistance and development. Zoned land, available industrial and research parks, utility capacity, natural resource protection and transportation are all factors that have received attention in planning for new business and population.

Naturally, a major asset in the Moscow-Pullman area are the universities. Since their establishment as land-grant institutions in the late 19th century, the University of Idaho and Washington State University have contributed significantly to the local, regional and state economy. During the past few years, both universities have promoted the development of partnerships between University and industry. With a combined total of over 25,000 students, over 1500 research and teaching faculty, $130 million in research equipment, and capital facilities worth $1.4 billion, the economic benefits derived from these partnerships are obvious. 

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