Leavenworth (Washington)

Chelan County

53-38845

Leavenworth is a city in Chelan County in the U.S. state of Washington with 2074 inhabitants ( 2000). It is located in the mountains of the Cascade Range. Leavenworth now lives almost exclusively on tourism. Each year nearly two million tourists visit the place.

History

Leavenworth possessed until the first half of the 20th century a significant Güterverladebahnhof as the largest economic factor in the community. When, after its closure collapsed the economy in the course of laying the railway lines, Leavenworth threatened to become a ghost town. In the 1960s, designed the remaining inhabitants with great commitment - and without it for historical reasons would have been - the city to a "typical " mountain resort in the Alps. The illusion of a Bavarian mountain village is enhanced by the surrounding mountains.

Throughout the year many festivals and activities are held, which are based on the typical festivities in places in Bavaria and the Alps. So there is a May Day festival, Oktoberfest, a Christmas market and an international accordion competition. Also very well known is the Nutcracker Museum with now more than 5000 exhibits.