Plymouth, Benton, Washington
Just to the north of Umatilla and 13 miles east of Paterson, is the small town of Plymouth. The name comes from the similarity in appearance between the basalt rock formations jutting into the Columbia River and the pilgrims' landing spot in Massachusetts. In 1878 Plymouth was the site of the Bannock-Paiute War, the last war between Native people and settlers. In 1907, Benton County Irrigation Company, a group of Seattle investors, platted a town site and the area became known for farming and raising horses, as well as being a sheep shipping center, due to nearby ranches. Plymouth was also the ferry destination from Umatilla across the Columbia River before the current bridge was built.
From Tri-Cities Mid-Columbia Telephone Directory 2008-2009, published by Statewide Publishing, Kennewick, Washington. Page C8.
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