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Locals already know how charming and rich with heritage Ellensburg is, but now the entire nation will get a peek at this Northwest hamlet thanks to a prestigious National Trust for Historical Preservation award.

Located in Central Washington, 110 miles east of Seattle, Ellensburg is a college town that takes pride in its pioneering history, agriculture and abundant outdoor recreation. Those passing through are pleasantly surprised when they take a stroll down historic Main Street to find gorgeous Victorian architecture, art galleries and museums, award-winning restaurants and warm, sunny weather. Others who come here for the recreation are immediately hooked on the dry climate, fantastic fishing in the Yakima River and excellent hunting, hiking and camping opportunities.

What Ellensburg residents consider pleasant, everyday life, the National Trust for Historic Preservation saw as a destination worth visiting and preserving.

The trust's Dozen Distinctive Destinations award has been in existence since 2000 and is a way for the organization to acknowledge cities and towns that have done an exceptional job maintaining their historic heritage. Some of the award's criteria include well-managed growth, historic preservation, unique architecture, activities for all ages, cultural vitality, a large number of locally-owned small businesses and a pedestrian-friendly downtown.

Ellensburg, established in the 1860s, possesses all those features. And those working for the trust recognized that, said the organization's special projects coordinator Carrie Johnson.
“Ellensburg was highly recommended. It is a small community, centrally located and stood out with its rodeo and Central Washington University,” Johnson said. The city's other events, visitor-friendly environmentand historic architecture were also key in Ellensburg's selection, she added.

Ellensburg is steeped with Native American and pioneering history. It was first inhabited by the Kittitas Indians. Eventually settlers came to the area and built what is still visible today — a vibrant, architecturally-fascinating town that local and national organizations alike consider an essential piece of Western history.

Like many other Western towns, early Ellensburg fell victim to a destructive fire. The blaze broke out on July 4, 1889 and nearly obliterated all of downtown. But, in true pioneer spirit, Ellensburg's residents rallied and re-built with remarkable speed. The buildings were constructed in detailed, Victorian style and remain to this day the cornerstone of Ellensburg's charm. More importantly however, they provide an important economic viability for the city.

Visitors from across the country come to Ellensburg to see its architecture, but they also come for the city's many events, such as the Ellensburg Rodeo, Jazz in the Valley, the Ellensburg National Art Show & Auction, Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering, Winterhop Brewfest and Dachshunds on Parade.
The city has a large, devoted group of residents who are constantly working to promote the city, its festivals, heritage and economy.

Fennelle Miller, vice president of Historic Ellensburg, is one of those people. Along with the help of several others, Miller wrote Ellensburg's Distinctive Destination nomination.
“Historic Ellensburg is the city’s leading historic preservation advocacy group, and we have been very involved in using our wonderful, intact historic downtown as a tool for economic development,” Miller said. “We have fought hard to protect the downtown, and this seemed like a good way to show how essential these historic buildings and the businesses they house are to our community.”

Timothy Bishop, director of the Ellensburg Downtown Association and former director of the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, urged Miller to apply for the award.

“It puts us on the map as more than just a highway interchange,” Bishop said. “Those who visit Ellensburg will see there really is something great to explore here. The award is a piece of the tourism and marketing puzzle that we can really build upon and use.”
The Dozen Distinctive Destinations award was started as a way to “promote large and small towns that had a commitment to historic preservation,” Johnson said. “We wanted to highlight these places in the country that stood out.”

The trust, located in Washington D.C., was founded in 1949 and is dedicated to restoring historic locations as well as promoting heritage-rich communities.
Other Dozen Distinctive Destination award winners for 2007 include Charlottesville, Va., Chatham, Mass., Chestertown, Md., Durango, Colo., Hillsborough, N.C., Little Rock, Ark., Mineral Point, Wis., Morgantown, W.Va., Providence, R.I., Woodstock, Ill., and New Orleans, La.

Ellensburg is the fourth city in Washington state to receive the award. Walla Walla, Port Townsend and Vancouver have also been named Distinctive Destinations.