 A section of SR 823 between US 12 in Yakima and Naches Avenue in downtown Selah is listed as part of the National Highway System, a network of roads important to the national economy, defense, and mobility.The road connecting the Selah Valley to Yakima was built along the west side of the Yakima River by the end of the 19th century, following a section of the Northern Pacific Railway.An interurban railway operated by the Yakima Valley Transportation Company was constructed along the side of the road in 1913.