History
Lake Chelan was named after the Indian term meaning "deep beautiful water," Chelan is one of the deepest lakes in the Unites States. In 1886, the first white settlers moved to Chelan. After the railroad was built a few years later, more and more people began to move to the area. Immediately the lake became a main attraction. When the Belle of Chelan was launched in 1888, boat trips along the lake became popular.
In 1889, Chelan County was created by the State Legislature out of two other counties. Although new settlers moved in, prosperity was not reached until irrigation was brought to the area. Chelan became a hot spot in 1901 when the Chelan Hotel opened, the current location of the Campbell's Resort. Twenty-six years later, many lakeside buildings and "Hotel Field" in Stehekin were damaged by flooding. Following this the Chelan Dam was built and the water level raised 21 feet.
20010 is the seventh running of the Chelan Century Challenge originated with Wayne Martin (no relation to Dean) who founded the infamous Markleeville Death Ride in California. Check the Death Ride link and see why this ride has grown into one of the most renowned rides in America.
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