History of Washington, USA

1700 - On January 26, 1700, a large earthquake 60 to 70 miles off the coast of the Pacific Northwest caused a tsunami roughly 33 feet high to engulf the Washington coastline
Ten hours later, the tsunami hit the main island of Japan with 6-to-10 foot swells.
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1805-06 - Lewis and Clark reached Washington
In 1805-06, the famed expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached what is now Washington state, marking a significant milestone in their journey across the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. The Corps of Discovery, as their expedition was known, had embarked from St. Louis in 1804 with the directive from President Thomas Jefferson to explore the vast western territories of North America. By the time they reached present-day Washington, the expedition had already traversed the Great Plains, crossed the Rocky Mountains, and navigated the Columbia River.

Arriving at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers in October 1805, Lewis and Clark faced challenges navigating the treacherous Columbia River Gorge. They encountered various Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce and the Chinook, who provided crucial assistance and guidance. The winter of 1805-06 was spent at Fort Clatsop near the Pacific Coast, where they prepared for the return journey. Their... Read MORE...


Read more about Meriwether LEWIS

1811 - John Jacob Astor built Fort Astoria, part of Pacific Fur Company at Columbia River mouth
In 1811, John Jacob Astor, a German-American entrepreneur and fur trader, established Fort Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. This strategic outpost marked a significant moment in the early American fur trade and westward expansion. Astor, known for his ambitious vision and business acumen, founded the Pacific Fur Company with the goal of tapping into the lucrative fur markets of the Pacific Northwest. Fort Astoria was intended to serve as a central hub for collecting furs from native trappers and facilitating their shipment to lucrative markets in Asia and Europe.

The establishment of Fort Astoria represented not only Astor's entrepreneurial spirit but also American efforts to assert economic influence in the region against British and Canadian fur traders. However, the fort faced numerous challenges, including competition from rival traders, Native American relations, and geopolitical tensions. Ultimately, despite its initial ambitions, Fort Astoria would change hands in ... Read MORE...

1825 - Forts Vancouver and Colvile established on Columbia River by Hudson Bay Company
In 1825, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a dominant force in the fur trade across North America, established Fort Vancouver and Fort Colvile along the Columbia River. These forts played pivotal roles in the HBC's extensive network of trading posts, strategically positioned to facilitate the lucrative fur trade with Indigenous peoples and European settlers in the Pacific Northwest. Fort Vancouver, situated near present-day Vancouver, Washington, became one of the largest HBC forts west of the Rockies, serving as a hub for trade in beaver pelts and other furs.

Fort Colvile, located farther north near Kettle Falls in what is now Washington state, also served as a crucial trading post, particularly for the Interior Salish peoples and other Indigenous groups of the region. These forts not only facilitated trade but also became centers of cultural exchange and interaction, where goods, technology, and ideas flowed between Native Americans, British fur traders, and later American... Read MORE...

1853 - Washington Territory created.
In 1853, the creation of Washington Territory marked a significant milestone in the westward expansion of the United States during a period of rapid territorial growth. This event was spurred by the need for better governance and administration of the vast region encompassing present-day Washington State and parts of Idaho and Montana. The territory's establishment came at a crucial juncture, following the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which settled the boundary dispute with Britain, firmly placing the region under American control.

The decision to carve out Washington Territory was driven by several factors, including the influx of settlers drawn by promises of fertile land and economic opportunities. It also aimed to assert American influence in a region where British and Native American interests had previously held sway. Isaac Stevens, appointed as the first governor of the territory, played a pivotal role in its early development, overseeing efforts to establish infrastructure,... Read MORE...

1890 - March 28 – Washington State University is founded in Pullman.
On March 28, 1890, Washington State University (WSU) was established in Pullman, Washington. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era in higher education for the state, as WSU became the land-grant institution, following the passage of the Morrill Act in 1862, which aimed to promote agricultural and mechanical education. Initially named the Washington Agricultural College and School of Science, WSU was pivotal in advancing practical education in agriculture, engineering, and other applied sciences.

The founding of WSU in Pullman not only bolstered educational opportunities but also contributed to the growth and development of the surrounding region. Pullman, situated in southeastern Washington, was chosen as the university's location due to its fertile agricultural lands and its potential to support agricultural research and education.
March 28, 1890

1895 - Washington
Washington, wäsh'ing-ton, a Pacific state of the American Union, bounded N. by British Columbia (Dominion of Canada), E. by Idaho, S. by Oregon, and W. by the Pacific Ocean. Its N. line is the parallel of 49° N. lat. as far W. as the Gulf of Georgia, whence it follows the Canal de Haro and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the open sea. On the E. the limit is 117° W. lon. as far S. as the Snake River, which stream is thence the boundary to the S.E. angle of the territory. Thence westward the line follows the parallel of 46° N. lat, to the Columbia River, which is the southern boundary from that point to the sea. Area, 69,180 square miles...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1897-99 - Klondike Gold Rush brought thousands to Seattle
The Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1899 stands as one of the most frenzied and impactful events in the history of Seattle, Washington. It began when gold was discovered in the Yukon Territory of Canada in 1896, triggering a massive migration of prospectors hoping to strike it rich. Seattle quickly emerged as the primary gateway for these hopefuls due to its strategic location on the Pacific Coast, offering direct access to the Klondike region via the Inside Passage and then overland routes through Canada. The rush transformed Seattle from a relatively quiet town into a bustling metropolis virtually overnight.

The city's population surged as thousands of prospectors and entrepreneurs flooded in, seeking supplies, transportation, and accommodations before embarking on the arduous journey north. Seattle's economy boomed as businesses sprang up to cater to the needs of these gold seekers, from outfitters selling gear and clothing suitable for the harsh northern climate to shipbuilders... Read MORE...

1899 - March 2 - Mount Rainier National Park established
On March 2, 1899, Mount Rainier National Park was established, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of natural landscapes in the United States. Located in Washington state, Mount Rainier is an iconic stratovolcano standing as the highest peak in the Cascade Range. The establishment of the park was spurred by its exceptional natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and the need to protect the mountain's glaciers, old-growth forests, and alpine meadows.

The park's creation was influenced by the conservation movement gaining momentum in the late 19th century, championed by figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt. Mount Rainier National Park became one of the earliest national parks in the United States, highlighting a growing awareness of the importance of preserving wilderness areas for future generations.
March 2, 1899

1899 - Washington became 42nd state
In 1889, Washington achieved territorial status and began its journey towards statehood. On November 11, 1889, after meeting the necessary requirements outlined in the Enabling Act of 1889, Washington was admitted to the Union as the 42nd state. This milestone marked the culmination of years of effort by its residents to establish a stable and recognized governmental structure. Washington's path to statehood was paved by its growing population, economic development spurred by industries like lumber and shipping, and its strategic location on the Pacific Coast, which made it an important hub for trade and commerce. The state's capital, Olympia, became the center of its political and administrative activities, cementing Washington's place in the fabric of the United States.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ watimeln.htm

February 26, 1910 - Parts of Washington State were in the midst of a storm which produced 129 inches of snow at Laconia between the 24th and the 26th, a single storm record for the state.
A series of storms, which began on the 23rd, led to a deadly avalanche on the first of March. By late on the 28th, the snow had changed to rain, setting the stage for disaster.
WeatherForYou.com

1910 - Flood Isolates South Bend
Wires Down, Bridge Out Fifth Time, Business at Standstill.

South Bend Depot, Wash., March 2. - (Special.) - Fourteen inches of rain is South Bend's record for February. Torrential rains have fallen every day since February 22 up to this morning.

All streams are swollen, the earth is saturated and flooded basements are reported throughout the city. The only serious damage done as yet is the washing out of several thousand cubic yards of earth from a hill on the new courthouse site.

The city is isolated so far as telegraph and railroad service is concerned. The temporary railroad bridge at Holcomb is gone for the fifth time since last November, and this time is a total loss.

To make conditions worse a big washout occurred last night near Lebam and with the demoralization of rail and wire service, business in this city and Raymond is almost at a standstill.
Morning Oregonian
Portland, Oregon
March 3, 1910

January 29, 1921 - A small but intense windstorm resulted in the "Great Olympic Blowdown" in the Pacific Northwest.
Hurricane force winds, funneled along the mountains, downed vast expanses of Douglas fir trees, and the storm destroyed eight billion board feet of timber. Winds at North Head WA gusted to 113 mph.
WeatherForYou.com
January 29, 1921

1933 - Grand Coulee Dam construction began
The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, which began in 1933, marked a monumental engineering feat in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Situated on the Columbia River in Washington State, the dam was conceived primarily to harness the river's immense hydroelectric potential and to provide irrigation water to the arid lands of central Washington through its massive reservoir, Lake Roosevelt. Initiated during the Great Depression under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program, the project aimed not only to stimulate the economy by creating jobs but also to provide long-term benefits in terms of power generation and agricultural development.

The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam was a symbol of American engineering prowess and ambition. It involved overcoming significant technical challenges, including the excavation of millions of cubic yards of rock and earth, and the pouring of millions of cubic yards of concrete to create what was then the largest... Read MORE...

1941 - March 22 – Washington state's Grand Coulee Dam begins to generate electricity.
On March 22, 1941, a pivotal moment in American engineering and energy history unfolded as Washington state's Grand Coulee Dam commenced generating electricity. Located on the Columbia River, the Grand Coulee Dam stands as one of the largest concrete structures in the world, a testament to the ambitious public works projects of the New Deal era. Its construction had begun in the 1930s under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, aimed at harnessing the river's immense hydroelectric potential for power generation and irrigation.

The start of electricity generation at Grand Coulee marked a significant achievement, not just technologically but also economically and socially. It provided a reliable source of cheap electricity that fueled the wartime industrial efforts during World War II and later supported the rapid post-war industrial expansion in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond its immediate impact, the dam's completion represented a triumph of engineering and ingenuity,... Read MORE...

1941 - July 17 - A prolonged heat wave over Washington State finally came to an end. Lightning from untimely thunderstorms was responsible for 598 forest fires.

WeatherForYou.com
July 17, 1941

1956 - March 9 - A whopping 367 inches of snow was measured on the ground at the Ranier Paradise Ranger Station in Washington.
The snow depth was a state record and the second highest total of record for the continental U.S.
The Weather Channel
March 9, 1956

1962 - World Fair held in Seattle
The 1962 World's Fair held in Seattle, also known as the Century 21 Exposition, was a monumental event that showcased futuristic visions and technological advancements of the time. Held against the backdrop of the Space Age and Cold War tensions, the fair's theme "Century 21" symbolized hope and progress towards a brighter future. One of the most iconic features was the Space Needle, a futuristic observation tower that quickly became a symbol of Seattle and modernity. Its design reflected the fair's focus on space exploration and technological innovation.

The fairgrounds, covering what is now Seattle Center, hosted pavilions from over 30 countries and numerous corporations. These pavilions displayed cutting-edge technology, cultural exhibits, and visions of the future, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Key attractions included the Monorail, built specifically for the fair and still in operation today, and exhibits that highlighted advancements in science,... Read MORE...

1962 - October 12 - The "Columbus Day Big Blow" occurred in the Pacific Northwest.
It was probably the most damaging windstorm of record west of the Cascade Mountains. Winds reached hurricane force, with gusts above 100 mph. More than 3.5 billion board feet of timber were blown down, and communications were severely disrupted due to downed power lines. The storm claimed 48 lives, and caused 210 million dollars damage.
WeatherForYou.com

1970 - August 23 - Dry thunderstorms ignited more than one hundred fires in the Wenatchee and Okanogan National Forests of Washington State.
Hot, dry, and windy weather spread the fires, a few of which burned out of control through the end of the month. More than 100,000 acres burned.
The Weather Channel

1974 - Expo '74 World's Fair held in Spokane
The Expo '74 World's Fair held in Spokane, Washington, marked a significant moment in the city's history and in the broader context of environmental awareness. Taking place from May 4 to November 3, 1974, Expo '74 was themed around "Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment." It was notably the first environmentally themed World's Fair, emphasizing conservation and sustainability at a time when ecological issues were gaining global attention.

The fair transformed 100 acres of industrial land along the Spokane River into a lush urban park known as Riverfront Park, showcasing innovative environmental technologies and concepts. One of the fair's key attractions was the United States Pavilion, a geodesic dome designed by Buckminster Fuller, which symbolized futuristic design and environmental harmony. Expo '74 attracted over 5.6 million visitors and featured exhibits from numerous countries, highlighting global efforts towards a cleaner, greener future.

1980 - May 18 - Mount Saint Helens (in Washington State) erupted spewing ash and smoke sixty-three thousand feet into the air. Heavy ash covered the ground to the immediate northwest, and small particles were carried to the Atlantic coast.
WeatherForYou.com

MOUNTAIN ERUPTS; 6 DEAD.

Vancouver, Wash. (UPI) - Mount St. Helens exploded in a giant, killer eruption Sunday that blew 600 feet off its summit, set off huge forest fires, sent "walls of water" racing down a river valley and spewed pungent ash clouds over much of Eastern Washington.

At least six people were killed fleeing the eruption, and many more were feared dead, possibly buried under tons of ash and mud.

The eruption was by far the largest and most spectacular outburst since the mountain awoke from 123 years of dormancy March 27. Officials ordered about 2,000 people evacuated from the base of the volcano.

Officials said mudflows and flooding on the northwest side of the mountain wiped out large swaths of forest.

"It's totally devastated," said MAJ. BILL HEWES of the Air Force Reserve in Portland, who was coordinating search and rescue efforts. "It's like being next to ground zero in an atomic bomb explosion."

HEWES said his helicopter... Read MORE...

2024 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Washington state:
Olympic National Park: Explore the stunning landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula, from lush rainforests to rugged coastline and towering mountains. Don't miss the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and Ruby Beach.

Mount Rainier National Park: Hike the trails, admire the wildflower meadows, and marvel at the iconic Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano. Paradise and Sunrise are popular visitor centers.

Seattle: The Emerald City offers a plethora of attractions, including the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, and the Museum of Pop Culture. Stroll along the waterfront or take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel.

San Juan Islands: Take a ferry to these picturesque islands for whale watching, kayaking, and exploring charming towns like Friday Harbor and Orcas Village.

Leavenworth: Experience a slice of Bavaria in Washington at this charming mountain town. Enjoy the Bavarian-style architecture, Oktoberfest celebrations, and outdoor activities like hiking and... Read MORE...