Ellensburg was officially incorporated on
November 26, 1883. John Alden Shoudy came to the Kittitas Valley in 1871, and
purchased a small trading post from Andrew Jackson "A.J." Splawn,
called "Robber's Roost." Robber's Roost was the first business in the
valley, other than the early trading that occurred among American Indians,
cattle drivers, trappers, and miners. Robber's Roost was located on the
present-day 3rd Avenue, just west of Main Street near the alley. There is a
placard on the wall commemorating the location, as well as a small stone
monument against the wall on the sidewalk. Shoudy
