The community was named Tampico by pioneer cattleman A. D. Elgin, for a town in Mexico where he once lived.[4] Early pioneers settled in Tampico by at least 1872. By 1887, there were from 16 to 20 families living in the community.[5]
Chief Kamiakin—who led the Yakama, Palouse, and Klickitat in the Yakima War—was born at Ahtanum Creek near Tampico in 1800.[6] Near that site, St. Joseph's Mission was built in 1852,[7] to be subsequently destroyed and rebuilt more than once; services are still regularly performed there.
Education
The community is served by West Valley School District 208.[8]