This week Patti Moed, invites us to tell a story with a maximum of five photos. Recently I had a leisurely road trip from Spokane to Pullman WA, driving the network of old highways now called the Palouse Scenic Byway. Lightly traveled, it was easy for me to pull over and stop whenever I wanted to take photos.
Rosalia WA, population 615. The site of a battle between US troops and Palus and Spokane Native American tribes in 1858, Rosalia was officially incorporated in 1894.
The Rosalia Railroad Bridge, built in 1915 is impressive with its concrete arches. In 1980 the bridge and right-of-way were acquired by the State of Washington. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places due to its design. Framed by the arches are yellow fields of Canola.
The McCoy grain elevator near Oakesdale, is a fine example of contemporary agricultural structures throughout the region. Grain (usually wheat) is stored in these huge containers and then transported by rail to market. Oakesdale, population 412.
Oakesdale Flour Mill built in 1890, is the last of 19 that once operated in Whitman County. In operation until 1960, the mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The old mill is being maintained and is open periodically for tours.
Old and new technology live side by side west of Oakesdale. On a forty acre site, 58 wind turbines generate 105 megawatts of energy.
On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾
Thanks to Patti for an inspiring challenge this week!
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Industrial heritage…. not sure todays industrial buildings will have the same heritage status in years to come
Great selections Lindy. Old mill, grain elevator, concrete bridge. Saddle up!
Great! Just LOVE the flour mill.
More Palouse to love. Not too crazy about grain storage, though.
I love the idea of a photographic journey. You picked a great story of places abandoned and restored. The mill is fascinating.
Well done. Glad you shared all the stories behind these photographs.
I had to laugh as I saw your post Lindy. My husband and I were driving in the area for a totally different reason when I realized OMG we are in the Palouse!!! I was SO annoyed that I hadn’t realized ahead of time that I’d be traveling through one of the most beautiful places in the country. I did manage a few images that are among my personal favorites but would have loved to really explore the area. Your images remind me of how much I missed 😩. Terrific choice for the week.
Thank you, Tina. I’m sorry you weren’t able to take time to enjoy the scenery when you traveled through. It was such a pleasure to take my time and photograph whatever caught my eye, as I meandered through the old highway. More photos from the adventure on the horizon!
Wonderful stories behind your beautiful photos! The Rosalia Railroad Bridge is quite impressive. Thank you for the ride.
Thank you, Amy. It was such fun to slow down, take my time, stop when I wanted and photograph whatever caught my eye!