About Prosser
A town shaped by the land, Rooted in Community
Some places feel like they’ve always been here—Prosser is one of them. Tucked along the Yakima River, it’s a town built on resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to the land. From its earliest days as a pioneer settlement to its role in shaping Washington’s wine industry, Prosser’s story is one of transformation, growth, and a community that never stands still.
From falls to fields... The Beginning of Prosser
In 1882, Colonel William Farrand Prosser arrived here as a special agent for the Department of the Interior. He saw opportunity in the rolling hills and riverfront, claiming land near the falls of the Yakima River. The town that formed around it was called Prosser Falls, but when his wife, the community’s first postmistress, applied to name the new post office, the government suggested something simpler—just Prosser.
By 1899, Prosser had officially become a town, and a few years later, it was chosen as the seat of Benton County. But it wasn’t just government that put Prosser on the map—it was the arrival of the railroad and the promise of irrigation. These two developments turned the valley from a rugged, dry landscape into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country.
Explore more of Prosser’s history at the Prosser Historical Museum
Cultivating a World-Class Wine Industry
Prosser’s first settlers made a living from cattle, sheep, and dryland wheat farming, but it was irrigation that transformed the Yakima Valley into a hub for vineyards, orchards, and thriving agriculture. As fields of grain and rows of vegetables replaced the dry shrub-steppe, Washington State University established the Irrigated Agricultural Research and Extension Center (WSU-IAREC) in 1919 to support local farmers. It was here that Dr. Walter Clore, a scientist with a passion for wine grapes, made one of the most significant discoveries in Washington agriculture: vinifera grapes could thrive in the state’s unique climate. Through decades of research, he laid the foundation for what is now a world-class wine industry.
Did you know?
Today, Washington is the second-largest premium wine producer in the country, with over 1,000 wineries across the state. Prosser, often called the birthplace of Washington wine, proudly carries that legacy forward.
Downtown Prosser: Where History Comes to Life
Some towns preserve history in books and museums—Prosser lives it every day. Walk through downtown, and you’ll find early 20th-century buildings repurposed into charming boutiques, cozy restaurants, and lively gathering spaces. This isn’t a place frozen in time—it’s a place that keeps reinventing itself.
Stroll
through locally owned shops, antique stores, and art galleries
Dine
at restaurants blending historic charm with modern flavors
Experience
a live performance at our theaters and music venues
Join
annual celebrations like the Art Walk & Wine Gala, Harvest Festival, and the States Day Parade
Discover more at Historic Downtown Prosser
Prosser welcomes you! Where Will You Visit First?
Whether you’re here for the history, the wine, or just a weekend getaway, Prosser welcomes you to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy a place where past and present come together in the best possible way.
