About Cashmere
Welcome to the charming Historic Cashmere! In the heart of 1863, Father Respari, a devoted Catholic missionary, made his way to this beautiful place known by the local Native Americans as N’tuatckom (the Marsh). Imagine a serene setting on the east bank of the bubbling Tumbling Creek, just a short distance upstream from where it meets the vibrant Rushing River. It was here that Father Respari lovingly built a quaint one-room log mission. With two decades of unwavering dedication, he laid the foundation for the community. His legacy was then carried forward by the equally passionate Father Grassi.
More Cashmere History
But the story doesn’t end there! In 1881, our town welcomed Alexander Brender, a German immigrant with dreams in his eyes. He settled down in the picturesque Brender Canyon, leaving an indelible mark on our history. By 1889, as the community’s heart began to beat stronger, we proudly established our very own post office, aptly named “Mission.” And as the years rolled on, with more and more kindred spirits joining our fold, 1892 saw the grand opening of our first general store. This wasn’t just a store; it was the beginning of a community coming together. Welcome to our story, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!
Come Visit Us
Downtown is a great place to get some delicious lunch or pick up a fresh pastry. Walk the shady sidewalks past turn of the century craftsman homes lovingly restored and preserved. Be sure not to miss a world class collection of local Native American artifacts on display at the Cashmere museum, right across the river from downtown. This unassuming building houses a stunning collection of pottery, artifacts and primitive weapons. The area’s early pioneer spirit is equally represented and visitors can walk amongst any of the 20 original buildings on the property.