Historic small towns dot the landscape of the Evergreen State, a scenic reminder of days gone by. Okanogan County, in particular, is home to many of our state’s once-thriving boom towns. Although many historic towns have succumbed to weather and age, a few still stand. With a population of less than 200, Chesaw is a small town in Washington that still retains some of its historic charm.

The tiny town of Chesaw is nestled in the Okanogan Highlands in the northeast corner of Okanogan County.
Robert Ashworth/Flickr
Chesaw was named after a Chinese settler and miner called Chee Saw. The town thrived during the gold rush of the late 1800s.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
Chee Saw owned a small ranch and a store frequented by miners. He was an honest businessman with fair prices. His name served as inspiration for the town, which was eventually called Chesaw.
From 1896 through 1900, Chesaw bustled with businesses, including general stores, a bank, hotels, a post office, and a school.
A. Balet, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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Unfortunately, the gold rush years were short-lived, and settlers moved on in search of new opportunities.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Farms and buildings were abandoned and left to deteriorate.
A. Balet, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Today, Chesaw is home to less than 200 residents but still operates a general store, gas station, and tavern.
Okanogan Country
Take a break as you travel through the picturesque Okanogan countryside. Enjoy a bison burger with fries and a cold beer at the Chesaw Tavern.
Every year, visitors flock to Chesaw to watch the annual 4th of July Rodeo, a long-standing Chesaw tradition since 1942.
Okanogan Country/Facebook
The town of Chesaw comes alive every July 4th with family activities, including a dance, cow-riding, and a parade, followed by the rodeo. This yearly event allows visitors to take in the beauty of Okanogan County and appreciate its historical roots.

The tiny town of Chesaw is rich in history that you can still see a part of today. Although a lot of the original buildings no longer stand, the name Chesaw serves as a reminder of the town’s early settlers. Visit the Okanogan Country website for information on this year’s 4th of July Rodeo.

Have you ever attended the Chesaw Rodeo? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

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Chesaw, WA 98844, USA