On the eastern shore of Moses Lake, is an agricultural trading center that has grown in importance in recent years. An Army Air Base established here during World War II is actively continued as a vital link in western American defense.

The town is thriving due to local prosperity based on many thousands of acres of irrigated land. It was named for the lake, which was named for Chief Moses, a warrior and diplomat. His tribe camped on the shores of the lake for many generations. An earlier name was Neppel.