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Chief Moses

History of Moses Lake

History of the Moses Lake Area The City of Sulktalthscosum Lake? That could have been our city's name had early Presbyterian missionaries at Lapwai not given that Indian chief the name "Moses."

Chief Moses was born in 1829. He was the chief of the tribe of Indians inhabiting this area. They were called Kowalchina and sometimes Sinkiuse and Columbias.

The history of our community began in 1910. It was then that the hamlet of Neppel was founded to serve the needs of a small group of pioneering farmers who settled on the shores of the lake. During this time there was no domestic water supply and no sewers. The streets were unpaved and there were no sidewalks.
{Today, Moses Lake remains an agricultural and transportation hub for Central Washington}
 
The year 1938 brought changes. It was in that year that U. S. Highway 10, a former transcontinental highway, was built through the town. Also, in September of 1938, by a vote of 71 to 41, the residents of Neppel voted to change the town's name to Moses Lake. Even with its new name and incorporated status with a Mayor/Council form of government, the population of Moses lake in 1938 had only reached 302.

The first real spurt of growth came with the war years in the early 40's. The U. S. Army established a Bomber Training Base. In 1948 this establishment was renamed Larson Air Force Base and became a multi-million dollar military installation. By 1950 the population of Moses Lake had suddenly increased to 1,679.

In 1959, by a vote of the people, Moses Lake adopted the Council/Manager plan. As provided for under the laws of the State of Washington governing council/manager governments, the Council is the legislative body of the city. It is charged with the enactment of all ordinances governing the conduct of city affairs and determines policies for administrative guidance.

The City Manager, on the other hand, is appointed by the Council and must exercise supervision over all activities of the city. He is appointed on the basis of his executive and administrative capabilities. State laws limit his authority and he is employed for an indefinite term at the pleasure of the Council.

The city has experienced moderate growth over the years. In 2008 the city's population nears 20,000. As a result of the city's growth, it has become known as a commercial, recreational, and service center for the entire area.

 
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