State of Washington

History

When the Washington Territory was formed in 1853, Olympia was chosen as the provisional territorial capital by Isaac Stevens, Washington's first territorial governor.

On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to enter the Union. It is named for George Washington, the first President of the United States, and is the only state in the Union (United States) that is named for a President. Washington is commonly called Washington State or the State of Washington to distinguish it from the District of Columbia (Washington, DC).

Washington was nicknamed "The Evergreen State" by C.T. Conover, pioneer Seattle realtor and historian, for its abundant evergreen forests. Although the nickname is commonly used to refer to Washington State, it has never been officially adopted by the Legislature.

Learn about the History of Olympia, Washington

Facts

Governor: Christine Gregoire

Population: 6,724,540 (2010 Census)

State Size: 71,303 square miles (18th in the Nation) More...

Time Zone: Pacific

State Symbols

Bird: Willow Goldfinch

Fish: Stealhead Trout

Flower: Coast Rhododendron

Fruit: Apple

Gem: Petrified Wood

Grass: Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Insect: Green Darner Dragonfly

Marine Mammal: Orca

Tree: Western Hemlock

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More Information

State of Washington Website

State of Washington Historical Records and Genealogical Research

Washington State History Museum

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