The resident Native Americans fiercely opposed permanent white settlement here until the end of the 1855–1857 Indian War. With the Native Americans’ resettlement on the Yakama Reservation complete in 1858, pioneer ranchers and their herds moved in to this sun-scorched region. The 1860s brought modern irrigation to the region, and soon after, John W. Beck planted a small apple and pear orchard. Since then, the Yakima Valley [1] has taken root and grown into one of the agricultural centers of the United States.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/columbia-gorge-and-wine-country/yakima-valley