History

    In 1805 Lewis and Clark reached Washington and explored the area. In 1811 Jacob Astor established Fort Okanogan, the first permanent U.S. settlement in Washington. In 1818 Great Britain and the U.S. agree to joint settlement of Oregon Country, which includes Washington. In 1825 Great Britain builds Fort Vancouver on the Columbian River.

    In 1842 John C. Fremont leads an Army Topographical Corps' Expedition to the Rocky Mountains. He witnesses an eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The Great Migration, a rush of approximately 1,000 pioneers, head out on the Oregon Trail, led by Dr. Marcus Whitman. In 1846 The boundary of Washington and Canada becomes the 49^th parallel.

     In 1853 Congress creates the Washington Territory. Government leaders wanted Natives to sign a treaty in 1855, which caused a war until 1858 when the Idians surrendered. In 1883 Railroads connect Washington with the East coast. On November 11,1889 Washington becomes the 42^nd state. 

     In 1910 Washington grants women the right to vote. In World War 1 (1914-1918) Washington supplied lumber, food, and ships. In 1962 Seattle hosts the world fair. In 1980 Mount St. Helens volcano erupts causing 57 deaths and billions of dollars in damages.