Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association

Relief is between Kennewick and Erie, west of Kennewick. The town was originally named Relief in 1889 as by the Northern Pacific Railway Company because helper or relief engines were added to heavy trains here. In November 1908, after more powerful locomotives eliminated the need for 2 engines, the Northern Pacific Railway Company changed the name to Vista. This name is presumed to describe the view of the surrounding landscape. This should not be confused with the Relief in Columbia County and nor with the Vista in Lincoln County (changed to Fishtrap in January 1908). The town never rated a post office of its own. Benton County, Washington (S5, T8N, R29E)