About Connell

Connell is a vibrant rural community in Eastern Washington of 5,150 people. The community was established in 1883 as a railroad stop called Palouse Junction.  The community later became known as Connell, named after Northern Pacific Station Agent, Joseph Connell. The Connell Post Office was authorized in January 1887.  Much of the old town was destroyed by fire in the late 1890s and was rebuilt along the present Columbia Avenue.  A major portion of the business district again burned in July 1905. Connell was incorporated in 1910. The primary industrial base is food processing, agricultural chemicals and minimum and medium security correction facilities. The community is also home to the North Franklin School District where there is a High School, Alternative High School, Junior High, Elementary School and Administration offices. Both Washington State and Franklin County have transportation facilities in the community.

The community is very proud of the number of parks facilities it has and the care that is lavished upon them. The City also has a pool which was recently remodeled. City athletic fields range from general purpose open space, to soccer and baseball fields. There is a broad choice of housing styles and prices for residents with a new housing development underway. The City has recently purchased additional water rights and has abundant water for future growth in residential, commercial and industrial activities. An expanded wastewater treatment facility was completed in 2010 and new waterlines are being installed to replace aging pipes. Even with these timely improvements, the City will continue to experience competitive water and sewer charges in the state.

Connell has grown significantly in population during the last ten years and is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities for additional growth well into the future.

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