Indians roamed the area around Crab and Wilson Creek in search of food during the summer months. John Marlin and the Urquhart Brothers settled the area in the 1870s. Lt. Tom Symons established a military road from Fort Walla Walla to camp Chelan West of town in 1879. The railroad came in 1892. Wilson Creek became a division point with an eleven stall roundhouse. Zack Finney started the first school in 1892. Wilson Creek's school opened in 1894. The immigrant train came through in 1901. Also during that year the town was platted. Finally the town was incorporated in 1903.