On May 10, National Washington Day recognizes The Evergreen State.

In a ten-day period, President Benjamin Harrison signed legislation growing the nation by four new states. Washington would become the fourth of those and the 42nd state. During his tenure, two more would join the union.

The state’s history is filled with battles for possession over land. Some between countries and others for between individuals. The history of San Juan Island and the battle for its possession started over the death of a pig. While still a territory, Washington came to near blows over an eager settler, a boundary and a potato-rooting English boar. Today it is known as the Pig War of 1859.

Obscure wars aside, Washington’s northwest beauty is dominated by other more earthshattering events and views.  Volcanic mountains and rainforests fill the landscape. The Evergreen State’s views of the Pacific Ocean do not disappoint. From whale watching and city life, there is plenty to see and do in every corner of the state.

Washington State Official

State Capital – Olympia
State Nickname – The Evergreen State
State Motto – Into the Future
State Fish – Sterlhead Trout
State Gemstone – Petrified Wood
State Tree – Western Hemlock
State Fossil – Columbian Mammoth
State Flower – Coast Rhododendron
State Vegetable – Walla Walla Sweet Onion
State Amphibian – Pacific Chorus frog
State Song – Washington, My Home
State Animal – Olympic Marmot
State Bird – Willow Goldfinch

Some of the most peaceful and quiet places in the United States are found in Olympic National Park. One Square Inch of Silence helps to preserve and hopefully expand these naturally silent spaces on Earth. One location is marked by a single red stone along the Hoh River Trail.

Washington Flavor

Cedar Planked Salmon
Fish & Chips
Apples
Rainier Cherries
Walla Walla Sweet Onions
Applets & Cotlets
Huckleberries
Red Raspberries
Theo Chocolate
Cascade Potato Chips

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• Hidden Treasures

Troll’s Knoll – Seattle

Treehouse Point – Issaquah

Nutty Narrows Bridge – Longview
This bridge in Longview, Washington saves lives. Squirrel lives. If you celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day, this bridge is for you.

Red Wagon – Spokane
Many parks around the country have playgrounds, but how many have a giant Radio Flyer Red Wagon sculpture? Riverfront Park in Spokane has one that is also the playground. The handle is a slide! The park offers many more attractions, too. Check it out!

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Alice Ball – Chemist -(July 24, 1892 – December 31, 1916)

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Mardy Murie – Naturalist – (August 18, 1902 – October 19, 2003)

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Bing Crosby – Singer – (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977)

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Audrey Wurdemann – Poet – (January 1, 1911 – May 20, 1960)

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Chuck Jones – Animator – (September 21, 1912 – February 22, 2002)

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Minoru Yamasaki – Architect – (December 1, 1912 – February 6, 1986)

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Carol Channing – Actress – (January 31, 1921 – )

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Bob Barker – Game show host – (December 12, 1923-)

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Adam West – Actor -(September 19, 1928 – June 9, 2017)

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Robert Joffrey – Dancer – (December 24, 1930 – March 25, 1988)

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Judy Collins – Singer – (May 1, 1939-)

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Jimi Hendrix – Guitarist – (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970)

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Linda Buck – Biologist – ( January 29, 1947 -)

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Kenny Loggins – Singer – (January 7, 1948-)

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Paul Allen – Businessman – (January 21, 1953 -)

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Bill Gates – Businessman – (October 28, 1955 – )

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Fred Couples – Golfer – (October 3, 1959 -)

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John Elway – Football Player – (June 28, 1960 -)

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Chuck Palahniuk – Author – (February 21, 1962)

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