CITY OF PROSSER 601 7th Street Prosser, WA 99350 (509) 786-2332 fax (509) 786-3717

Prosser, dubbed the Birthplace of the Washington Wine Industry, is known for its growing number of local wineries and the tourism that they generate.

Prosser, the county seat, is located at the far western corner of Benton County just 50 miles from Yakima and 35 miles from the Tri-Cities. Its population is just over 5,000. The local economy centers around agriculture; concord and wine grapes, apples, cherries, hops, asparagus, corn, wheat, and processing plants.

This scenic area is bordered on the north by the Rattlesnake Hills and on the south by the Horse Heaven Hills with the Yakima River running through. Prosser boasts 300 sunny days annually, lending to a wide range of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and golf.

Prosser offers its citizens a "small town" quality of life with easy access to major shopping, medical care, and other amenities. Prosser's sense of community is well defined by a full calendar of special events. There are 17 local churches, 5 parks, an Activities Center, athletic club, museum, and public library.

Local schools have an excellent reputation for providing not only foundation learning, but vocational skills training. Prosser High School offers a highly competitive, successful extra-curricular program emphasizing sports, drama, and clubs.

Prosser's retail market includes an ever-growing number of shops, wineries, restaurants, and galleries.

Prosser is easily identified as the historic hub of Benton County. Since its first homestead in 1882 by Colonel William Prosser, an agent for the Department of the Interior, the land along the Yakima River has provided for rich, fertile ground for this agricultural community. Prosser's history is flavored by Native Indians who hunted and fished in the area. Wild mustangs accented its landscape. E.F. Benson, Chief Examiner for the Northern Pacific Railroad built the power house on the river and established the Prosser Falls Land and Irrigation Company. The Benton County Court House has preserved much of its original architecture. It was designated as the first building in Benton County to be marked an historical landmark in 1976.

Prosser is, indeed, a great place to visit or call HOME.