Columbia county is essentially an agricultural county, but of late
years is branching out into fruit-raising and dairying with marked
success. Apples and pears predominate among the fruits, though
all others do well. Wheat is, however, still its great product,
and both the Northern Pacific and Oregon Railroad & Navigation
railroads are in operation through the northern part of the county
to carry away its rich grain harvests.
The citizens of Columbia county are among the most prosperous of
the state, its average of per capita wealth being exceeded by only
three other counties.
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PRINCIPAL TOWNS.
DAYTON, the county seat, has a population of about 3,500 people,
is situated about in the center of the county, and is the chief
town for the county's exports, as well as the distributor of its
merchandise. It is a substantially built city, with flour and feed
mills, and general mercantile establishments of importance. All the
public interests, including schools and churches, are generously
provided for. Its chief exports are grain, fruit, livestock and
wool.
STARBUCK, in the northern part of the county, is a shipping point
of no mean importance on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation railway.