We are proud of the legacy that our early Italian community has given to Walla Walla.  Including the origination of the Walla Walla Sweet Onion, which was reported to have been brought as a seed from the island of Corsica by Peter Pieri, a French soldier. When Mr. Pieri's Italian neighbors observed the onion's winter hardiness, they helped harvest the crop with a new enthusiasm and a desire to improve and cultivate the seed locally.

Over several generations, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion developed into the delicious, mouth-watering onion that we enjoy today. Due to the popularity of this famous crop, the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce and the Sweet Onion Commission, sponsors the Sweet Onion Harvest Fest at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds in mid July.

The recent influx of Vineyards and Wineries (One Hundred+ to date) in the valley has changed the agriculture structure tremendously.  What had been Italian truck garden farms in the many parts of the Valley, has become vineyards or housing developments.  The first Italian, Francesco Oreselli, after discharge form the US Cavalry, remained in the Valley and was first to have a vineyard and winery in 1871.  He well realized the fertile soil of the valley  would produce many crops.  It was known that he sold his wines to his former cavalry associates.  He was very industrious and had orchards, garden crops, and also a bakery.  It was quite an achievement for a young immigrant from Italy.