The first home in Ellensburg was built in 1868. The Northern Pacific Railroad reached Ellensburgh in the 1880's. A boom in building and population soon followed. Ellensburg was selected as the location for Central Washington University in 1891 after the city lost its bid to be the state capital. The university is an accredited four-year educational institution which features education as one of its primary majors. The Ellensburg rodeo is one of the top rodeos in the country and takes place at the same time as the Kittitas County Fair. Each July the city holds its Jazz in the Valley festival; a three day event featuring many bands from all over the country.

Hon. Michael E. Cooper and Hon. Scott R. Sparks can ignite a fire.