From the foregoing glances at the history of the county we turn to that of the towns. Although, as we have seen, a number of towns were founded, having county seat ambitions and great expectations, only two were incorporated, Pomeroy and Pataha City, and of these the latter surrendered its charter, and hence Pomeroy is the only place that maintains a corporate existence.
By the courtesy of the East Washingtonian we gather the following data about the founding of Pomeroy.
"The idea of converting his property here into a city first occurred to Mr. Pomeroy and took definite shape in 1877. At this time William C. Potter came with some money and induced Mr. Pomeroy to join him in a flouring mill enterprise to be operated by power furnished by water from the Pataha Creek. To this project Mr. Pomeroy contributed liberally and the mill was built and the town started.
"The townsite plat of Pomeroy was filed for record May 28, 1878. Those who platted the town were Joseph M. Pomeroy, Martha J. Pomeroy, Benjamin B. Day and Minnie A. Day. It is located on the east half of the south half of the southwest quarter of section 31, and the west half of the south half of the southeast quarter of section 31, in township 12 north, range 42 east.
"Additions since that time: Wilson's by E. T. Wilson and J. M. Pomeroy, June 13, 1882.
"Day's by Minnie A. Day and B. B. Day, August 12, 1882.
"Pomeroy's, by Martha J. St. George and William S. Day, September 20, 1881.
"Mulkey's, by Logan P. Mulkey and Charles J. Mulkey, November 14, 1882.
"Darby's, by Walter L. Darby, August 14, 1884.
"Depot, by the Columbia Valley Land & Investment Company, April 30, 1886.