Yakima is a city within Washington State, United States. Close by is Mount Rainier National Park and Snoqualmie National Forest. Yakima serves as the county seat of Yakima County. The city of Yakima has a population of 91,196, making it the 8th most densely inhabited city within the state. The metropolitan area of Yakima has a population of around 243,200.
Greater Yakima comprises the unincorporated suburban areas of Terrace Heights and West Valley, all situated within the Yakima Valley. The Valley is a fertile area producing some of the best apples in the globe. The valley is a major wine- and hops-producing region. Approximately 75% of all hops grown in the U.S. are grown all around the city of Yakima.
South and southeast of the city lies the Yakama Indian Reservation. The Yakama people first settled the valley. Explorers Clark and Lewis arrived in the region in the year 1805. Their reports of abundant wildlife and fertile soil encouraged homesteaders to live here. During the year 1847, a Catholic Mission was built within southwest of present-day Yakima. Conflicts between the people of Yakima and the settlers escalated into the Yakama Indian War of the year 1855. In response, the U.S. Army established a fort during 1856 near the existing site of White Swan. The Army defeated the Yakamas and the Yakama Indian Reservation was created.
The economic foundation of Yakima has traditionally been agriculture, with an abundant amount of fruit crops, like for instance apples, pears, peaches, melons and cherries, grown within the valley. Vegetables, like for example peppers, corn and beans, grow well here. Numerous workers who came to market, pick and process the agricultural produce of the valley stayed to become inhabitants. Agriculture and agricultural support services provide a considerable number of jobs.
Ever since the late 1990's, downtown Yakima has undergone significant changes. Union Gap has taken over as the retail core from the downtown area. Union Gap is a city within Yakima County, situated south of Yakima. The department stores and a shopping mall of Yakima have been replaced with call-centers and numerous hotels. Union Gap is where individuals go to shop now, in large big-box stores. The city of Yakima plans to revive its downtown area with entertainment venues, and a more personal kind of shopping experience.