Old Carlton Hotel still stands today at the original Carlton town site.

In 1903, William J. Fleming arranged for the moving of a two story store, hotel, and two houses to the mouth of Texas Creek. As Carlton was taking shape, the Carl Dillards purchased "Locust Lodge" from the Sumpter family. One afternoon in 1907, a group of ladies who were visiting in the Dillard home, discussed a name for the new town. Among the guest were Mrs. Joseph Liebl and her mother Mrs. McConnell. Out of respect to their host, Mrs. McConnell suggested it be called "Carl’s Town." After some discussion, the ladies decided on "Carlton."

Carlton store

People came by steamboat up the Columbia River to Ives Landing between 1896 to 1900, at which time the Central Ferry's Landing was changed to Pateros. Others came by train, horseback, stagecoach, or by their own horses and wagons. Many followed trails into the Methow Valley.

Carlton Hotel 1907-08

Platted on August 23, 1907, Carlton’s location was specified as, SW/NE Sec. 29, T32N, R22E. This was just across the road where the old Carlton Hotel still stands today.

By 1927 it was learned where new highway No. 12 would be built and where the new bridge would cross the Methow River. Since the highway would be a quarter of a mile from the original town of Carlton, they decided to move the buildings close, so that the new highway would go right pass their front doors.

Carlton's second school built in the early 1920s, is a private residence today

The earliest school in Carlton itself was built in 1907. The brick school which was built in the early 1920s still stands today, but is a private residence. Locust trees, planted when Carlton was a new town, can still be seen along the property today. Locust Lodge was named for them.

Carlton's first location 1913. Old Carlton Hotel is on the left of photo

Farming has slowed down in the Methow Valley. However, there are always new additions to the town. There is a motel with swimming pool, small grocery store that sells the much sought after Carlton fly. Everyone is friendly, so be sure to stop in when you are in the Methow Valley, and say hi!