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Permanent Exhibits
On July 4, 1889 at 10:30pm, the young city of Ellensburgh caught fire and by the time the flames were extinguished four hours later, ten downtown blocks and the homes of two hundred individuals lay in ruins.
While it is known where the fire started, what happened, and how the community rebuilt the City within four months, the cause has never been determined.
This exhibit takes a look at the various causes—from accidental to incendiary—and the possible motives behind each, and features newspaper clippings, historic photographs, and even a clock that survived the fire.
Permanent Exhibit
This display highlights information about the Northern Pacific Railway (today known as the BNSF Railway) and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Road.
July 4, 2026, 10 AM - 4 PM
The Museum invites visitors to explore the history of the Great Ellensburgh Fire of 1889 and the rebuilding that forever transformed downtown Ellensburg.
February 5, 2027, 5 PM - 7 PM
Join us to experience and explore the history, heritage, and culture of Kittitas County.