This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Washington's growth from wilderness to modern state
Prepared by National Geographic Society outlines Washington state’s rise from a 1851 settlement at Ilicott Bay to a diverse economy centered on lumber, agriculture, and fisheries. It notes Seattle’s rapid development, eastern cities like Spokane, and key industries in Whatcom, Bellingham, Yakima, Wenatchee, and Tacoma, highlighting climate, geography, and abundant natural resources.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Geographic Society
Washington, D. C
WNU Service
WTE
Washington
Iilicott Bay
Puget Sound
Sound
Illinois Prairies
Seattle
Commonwealth of Washington
Evergreen
Spokane
Washington Territory
Peninsula
Islands
Mountain Heights
Shuksan
North America
Holland
America
Mount Baker
Whatcom County
Netherlands
Lynden
Bellingham
Bellingham Bay
San Juan Islands
Pacific Coast
United States
Tacoma
Commencement Bay
Charles Wilkes
Antarctic
Puyallup
Yakima
Wenatchee
Izaak Walton