F. Fortin Walla Walla, Washington photograph collection, circa 1892

Felix Fortin was a photographer in Walla Walla, Washington who moved there from Illinois in about 1900. The city of Walla Walla is located in the southeastern corner of Washington State. The popularity of the area grew following the discovery of gold in 1861. Not only miners, but also farmers, merchants and ranchers flocked to Walla Walla. Scenes of the town, Whitman College, and the surrounding farms were made by Fortin. He called his photography studio, "F. Fortin's Celebrated Photograph Gallery." The studio was located on the corner of East Main and Spokane Street. At the time when Felix Fortin was working, the Walla Walla Valley was a prime producer of such agricultural products as wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, asparagus, peas, soft fruit, onions and grapes.