Rocky Ford history

Just off State Route 17, by the junction with SR 282 is a pull-off with a wooden sign.

The sign reads:

History of the Rocky Ford area

Chief Moses and many Indians from miles around came to gather food, trade and race horses each summer at the great encampment ¾ mile east of here on Rocky Ford Creek. During the Nez Perce War of 1877, Chief Joseph sent runners to Chief Moses camp asking for help. The military wagon road from Fort Walla Walla to Camp Chelan passed nearby. Upper ranch of Lord Blyth, early day cattleman was on the creek at the site of the Indian camp. Thousands of cattle grazed here in the 1800s. Formerly, the world's largest private fish hatchery was located 4 miles north of here. Area settled in the early 1900s.