Washington State History Facts: When Was It Founded And More!

Washington is the constituent 42nd state of the continental United States of America.

Sprawling in the northwestern part of the US, the state is surrounded by British Columbia to the north, Idaho to the east, Oregon to the south, and the cold pacific ocean to the westside. Before forming as the constituent official state, Washington province was called in the name of Washing territory.

The state of Washington is also prone to forest fires. Four forest fires are known to have devoured the areas of 890.71 hectares (2201 acres).

The state was named after George Washington, one of the most influential presidents to have been born on US soil. Although the capital of Washington state is Olympia, the state’s largest city is Seattle, a seaport city with a population of a whopping 737,015.

Seattle is known for having the world's first revolving restaurant. According to the Oregon treaty after the cessation of the British in the year 1846, the state then known as Washington territory was named as the state of Washington.

Washington state capitol is one of the elegant and magnificent buildings to have ever existed in the US. Washington is also famous for its scenic beaches and coastlines. Other scenic and popular natural landmarks include the Rocky Mountains, Blue Mountain, and Mount St. Helens.

After reading about Washinton's state insect and other symbols, also check Alaska history facts and Alabama history facts.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is the burial place and America's splendid historical landmark. The estate is known to have been a place where George Washington visited and lived and breathed his last.

The land was acquired by the George Washington family in the year 1674, the place was leased to a lot of people before Washington decided to acquire the estate and become the sole owner in the year 1761.

Mount Vernon resides on the sides of northern Virginia, on the Potomac River (known for its beauty and of course the historical significance) near Washington D.C.

The property was built in the European architectural form known as the Palladian style, which consisted mainly of wood. The mansion was originally built by George Washington's father, Augustine, who purchased the land simultaneously.

Prehistory And Cultures

Washington state, in addition to being the most forward and modern of the US states, also possesses a flourishing and diverse history that dates back 3000 to 5000 years.

Before the advent of the Europeans, most of America was home to numerous Native American tribes. And the location of Washington was such that, some of the archeological reports suggest it was one of the first populated areas inhabiting North America.

The astragalus remains of both animals and humans are known to have been detected across Washington. And archeologists using radiometric dating models, grasped the fact that the bones date back to 13000 years of age.

The human occupation, at the start of civilization, goes back to 9000 BCE. This is approximately 5000 years after the Columbia river flood which eventually shaped what is presently known as Columbia gorge.

Chief Joseph, also known as Joseph the Elder, was instrumental in establishing peace with his white neighbors. The lands then inhibited by humans were used for various agricultural purposes and hunting. There are also records presuming that houses were built from Cedar.

Early American Settlements

The state of Washington was and is still home to various Native American tribes. 29 of these tribes are recognized federally as well. Some of these tribes are Chehalis, Colville, Cowlitz, hoh.

The earliest settlement in the region was where people are known as fur traders. The trading took place explicitly between local native Americans with these fur trading men.

The first-ever Native American settlement in Washington is recorded to be The Duwamish, whose primary language was Lushootseed. There is also numerous archeological evidence suggesting the people have been occupying the place since the end of the glacial period (10,000 years ago).

The Evergreen State

The state of Washington is surrounded by states whose geographical diversity varies and hence influences the climatic conditions of Washington. The pacific ocean plays a vital role in shaping the state’s scenic beaches and amazing coastlines.

Evergreen forests in Washington state are found abundantly. Hence the name “evergreen state”. Although this lovely nickname is widely known across the US. It is not yet officially adopted by the state legislature.

Flora And Fauna

Since the state of Washington has a rich and natural diversity. The state is also home to a varied variety of plant and animal species. The state has actively taken part in conserving these species from any human activity.

Land-dwelling animals like grizzly bears, pygmy rabbits, bats, beavers, bobcats, deer, moose, raccoons, and skunks are extensively found; their main hotspots are the Columbia plateau, Olympic mountain.

Bird species like domestic pigeons, swallows, wild turkeys, owls, woodpeckers, and many more bird species can be observed.

The official state insect of Washington is the common green darner dragonfly.

Some of the plant species which are unique to Washington state are cutleaf blackberry, spurge laurel, Egeria densa, Potamogeton crispus, which are also known to be invasive species.

Timeline Of Washington History

The term ‘evergreen state’ was coined by a Seattle-based realtor and historian, C.T. Conover who during the time hardly expected this nickname to be so popular. Here are important facts related to the timeline of Washington history.

July fourth, 1776: declaration of independence

1777 to 1783: American revolution

1789: George Washington inauguration

1811: Columbia river is charted

1848: Oregon treaty is created

1863: separation from Washington

1869: Seattle is incorporated

1883 to 1888: women fight for the right to vote

1889: the great Seattle fires

1910: Washington women win the right to vote

1918-1945: World War One and World War Two

1969: Apollo 11 is launched

1975: Microsoft is founded

1980: Mount Saint Helens erupts

2005: smoking prevention laws are passed

2014: Seattle Seahawks win the super bowl

2017: women march on Washington in Seattle

The state of Washington is the only state to be named after a United States president.

Washington is home to united airlines. The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge, and Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge over Lake Washington, as well as the Hood Canal Bridge that connects the Olympic Peninsula and Kitsap Peninsula, are all located in Washington. It is also famous for its sweet cherries.

Washington's state insect is the green darner dragonfly. The Olympic mountains, grand coulee dam, national park service, king county, mount rainier, the Washington coast, blue mountains, national parks, king county, Washington state's capitol building, lake Washington, the eastern Washington area, and the Oregon territory are quite famous

Mount Rainier in Washington is the tallest peak in the continental United States.

Certain products, such as fuel, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages, are subject to an excise tax. Property taxes were the first taxes imposed in Washington, and they now account for over 30% of the state's total state and local revenue but there is no personal income tax!

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Washington State history then why not take a look at Australian history facts, or Arizona facts and history.