George, Washington, named after the first president of the United States, is the only city in the nation with a president’s full name. Located in the Columbia River Basin of Eastern Washington, George is ideally positioned between Seattle, the Cascade Mountains, and Spokane, along Interstate 90 at exit 149. This prime location attracts thousands of travelers each year.
Just six miles west of the city lies the Gorge Amphitheater, a stunning venue overlooking the Columbia River. The venue hosts major concerts throughout the summer, drawing as many as 250,000 visitors.
George also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including water sports, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, golf, and winter skiing. The area’s rich geology and the fertile agricultural land in the Columbia Basin make it a region of interest for nature enthusiasts and those fascinated by local farming.
With its excellent climate, George is an ideal place for both relaxation and adventure. During the Fourth of July, the population swells to around 5,000 for the city’s annual celebration, featuring the world’s largest cherry pie, fireworks, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Brief History of George, Washington
George, Washington, was founded in the 1950s to address the growing need for towns in Grant County due to a large irrigation district. When local opposition arose against a federally-built town, the Bureau of Reclamation opened the land for bidding. Charlie Brown, a local pharmacist, submitted the winning bid for 339 acres, despite his partners—an attorney and contractor—leaving the area. Charlie, a driven and ambitious individual from Rockwood, Oregon, invested his own money into developing the land, with guidance from city planning expert Mr. Wolf from the University of Washington.
In a conversation with a Bureau of Reclamation official, the suggestion was made to name the town after George Washington. Recognizing that Washington was the only state where this could be done, Charlie Brown embraced the idea, and the town was officially named George.
The city was dedicated on July 4, 1957, with a celebration that included dignitaries, entertainment, and the first world’s largest cherry pie. Charlie and his wife, Edith Brown, were instrumental in establishing businesses that helped the town thrive. As the population grew, workers from nearby Wanapum and Priest Rapids Dams helped establish the community, and in 1961, George was incorporated with a population of 300.
Today, George operates under a Mayor-Council government, with Charlie Brown serving as the town’s first elected mayor. The town honors its founding through street names based on cherry tree varieties, including Montmorency, Royal Anne, and Bing. George is home to several churches, parks, and a community hall, reflecting the town’s strong sense of community.
Charlie and Edith Brown are gone now, but their spirit remains. George, Washington will exist and it will grow. For some the town is a rest stop in traveling, but to the people who live here it is the town that Charlie built that is, very simply, a good place to live.