How Washington Became a State

Washington State is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. From the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the lush rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington is a state of immense natural beauty.

Pre-Statehood

Native American Tribes

Prior to the establishment of the state of Washington, the region was home to a variety of Native American tribes, including the Chinook, Nisqually, Quinault, and Yakama. These tribes had lived in the area for centuries, and had developed complex cultures and societies. The tribes had a deep connection to the land, and relied on the abundance of natural resources to sustain their way of life. They hunted, fished, and gathered food from the land, and traded with other tribes. They also had a rich spiritual and cultural life, with ceremonies and rituals that honored the land and their ancestors.

Exploration and Settlement

The first Europeans to explore the area that would become Washington were Spanish and British explorers in the late 1700s. The British were particularly interested in the area, and began to establish trading posts and settlements. In the early 1800s, American settlers began to arrive in the region, and the area was officially designated as part of the Oregon Territory in 1848. The settlers brought with them a variety of new technologies and ideas, and began to alter the landscape of the region. They cleared forests for farming, built roads and towns, and established businesses and industries. The influx of settlers also led to conflict with the Native American tribes, as the settlers sought to control the land and resources.

Washington Territory

Creation of Washington Territory

The creation of Washington Territory was a result of the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which divided the Oregon Country between the United States and Great Britain. The Oregon Country was a vast region that included the present-day states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming. The Oregon Treaty established the 49th parallel as the boundary between the United States and Great Britain, and the area south of the 49th parallel became the Washington Territory. The Washington Territory was formally established on March 2, 1853, and was organized by an act of Congress. The first governor of the Washington Territory was Isaac Stevens, who was appointed by President Franklin Pierce.

Territorial Government

The first territorial government of Washington was established in 1854, and it was modeled after the government of Iowa. The territorial government was composed of three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch was headed by the governor and included the secretary of the territory, the auditor, the treasurer, and the attorney general. The legislative branch was composed of a bicameral legislature, with the upper house known as the Council and the lower house known as the House of Representatives. The judicial branch was composed of the Supreme Court, the District Courts, and the Probate Courts. The territorial government was responsible for the administration of justice, the protection of property, and the promotion of public welfare.

Statehood

Washington State Constitution

The Washington State Constitution was drafted in 1889 and was approved by the people of Washington in a referendum in October of that year. It was modeled after the United States Constitution and included a Bill of Rights, as well as provisions for the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The constitution also established the state government's authority to levy taxes, borrow money, and regulate commerce. It also provided for the establishment of a public school system, the protection of civil rights, and the regulation of public utilities.

Admission to the Union

Washington was admitted to the Union on November 11, 1889, becoming the 42nd state. The admission process began in 1887 when a bill was introduced in Congress to admit Washington as a state. The bill was passed by Congress and signed by President Grover Cleveland on February 22, 1889. The bill was then sent to the people of Washington for ratification. After it was approved by the people, the bill was sent back to Congress for final approval. On November 11, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill officially admitting Washington as a state.

Since its admission to the Union, Washington has grown and developed into a vibrant and diverse state. It has become an important center of industry, commerce, and culture, and is home to many of the nation's most iconic landmarks. Washington has also become a leader in environmental protection and sustainability, and is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the United States.