McCroskey, Virgil, 1876-1970

Virgil McCroskey came to Whitman County with his parents. He graduated as a pharmacist from the Washington Agricultural College (now Washington State University) in 1898, moved to Colfax and operated the Elk Drug Store from 1905 to 1918. He then moved to his parents’ homestead near Steptoe and developed the land as the Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park in honor of his mother. He later moved to Oakesdale where he resided until his death. McCroskey maintained a lifelong interest in conservation issues.

From the guide to the Virgil McCroskey Papers, 1879-1974, (Eastern Washington State Historical Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Joel E. Ferris Research Library and Archives)