Thomas Symons, the US Army engineer at the site commented at the time, Ainsworth is one of the most uncomfortable, abominable places in America to live in.

The heat through the summer is excessive, and high winds prevail and blow the sands about into everything.

By the glare of the sun and the flying sands, one's eyes are in a constant state of winking, blinking, and torment, if nothing more serious results.

At the time, a number of Chinese laborers also lived in Ainsworth - many of whom worked for the railroad and operated local businesses.

In 1885, the State Legislature officially moved the county seat to Pasco.