Sumner was settled in 1853 by a wagon train that crossed over the Cascade Mountains through Naches Pass. After the establishment of the Northern Pacific Railroad through town and the construction of a depot, Sumner saw its community grow and was incorporated in January of 1891.
The City was built through agriculture, including hops, rhubarb, berries, vegetables, turf grasses, and especially daffodils. Every year the City celebrates the blooming season with the Daffodil Festival, which includes a parade through downtown and many other community activities. With its fertile valley soil, Sumner residents find it ideal for growing lush vegetable and flower gardens. In fact, Sumner is still known as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World!
Although Sumner has seen recent growth, it still offers the charm of a small town. The historic downtown area is home to a variety of shops and businesses. Sumner hosts many community events including the Daffodil Parade, Wine Walks, Classy Chassis Car Show, Art Festivals, and Music Off Main. Over the past few years Sumner’s main street has expanded to include a new shopping complex and a commuter rail station that provides Sumner with a rapid transit connection to Seattle and Tacoma.
Sumner is well known for its excellent schools and offers many recreation activities, including a variety of City Parks with towering century-old trees; Sumner Meadows, a links style golf course; and the Daffodil Valley Sports Complex.
With its richness in community, fantastic schools, and small town feel, its no wonder why residents find it so easy to put down roots in sunny Sumner.