During the 1700s, Europeans began to explore the Pacific coastline in search of the valuable furs found there.  As Russia claimed parts of Alaska, Spain became concerned that the Russians would build a monopoly on the fur trade.  In 1775, Bruno Heceta led an expedition to explore the northwest coast, search for the Northwest Passage, and claim land for Spain.  Heceta became the first known European to set foot on Washington land.  When others of the sailors went ashore to look for fresh food and water, Indians attacked and killed seven men.  Because of this, the crew set sail, cutting the expedition short. 

The year 1792 brought two explorers to Washington.  The first was a British navigator and explorer by the name of George Vancouver.  Vancouver spent three years exploring the coasts of Washington and Oregon, naming places and making maps of the land.  His trip accomplished two things: it proved there was no Northwest Passage at that latitude, and it gave people written information through his book, A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean and Round the World. 

The second explorer was Robert Gray.  Gray was an American fur trader from Rhode Island.  In 1788, he traveled along Oregon’s coast, trading with the natives for sea otter pelts.  He returned in 1792.  During this trip, Gray noticed an unusual flow of muddy water coming from the shore and went to investigate, thinking it could be the “Great River of the West.”  He named the river “Columbia” after his ship, the Columbia Rediviva. 

Spain, England, and the United States all had claims in the Pacific Northwest.  Gray’s discovery gave the U.S. a strong claim on the land surrounding the Columbia.  While the Spanish and English fought over other land, the U.S. built trade centers around the Columbia and created a sturdy foundation to their fur trade.  Later on, the U.S. used this hold to gain control of Washington and the Pacific Northwest.