Deception Pass was named by Captain George Vancouver, one of the first explorers of Washington State.  Originally thinking Whidbey Island was a peninsula, Vancouver realized his mistake and named the strait Deception Pass.  Whidbey Island is named after his partner, Joseph Whidbey, who was there when he made the mistake. 

In 1925, an act of Congress dedicated property from the area (now known as Deception Pass State Park) for public recreational purposes.  Roads, trails, buildings and bridges were added in the 1930s.  Now, Deception Pass State Park covers over 4,000 acres of forests, wildlife, and freshwater beaches.  It is known for its beautiful scenery as well as its historical background. 

Pomeroy Living History Farm

The Pomeroy Living History Farm is an educational museum that depicts farming life in the 1920s.  Positioned in Clark County, it is located in what was once farming country.  As the land around is urbanized, the Pomeroy Living History Farm provides historical experience but also stands as a heritage resource. 

It is a non-profit museum that is run by five staff members and about twenty volunteer workers.  The workers dress in period clothing and help visitors perform typical farm activities.  Although the activities are chosen by age, some examples are grinding grain, feeding and watering the livestock, washing clothes, and making ropes. 

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

In 1987, news of a Canadian gold strike brought settlers across the U.S. to the Pacific Northwest.  Seattle was filled with people on their way north to seek their fortunes.  The hopeful miners purchased food, clothing, and equipment.  Although the gold strike ended a few years later, it boosted Seattle’s reputation as the Queen City of the Pacific Northwest. 

Today the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park stands as a memorial to the gold seekers.  Only a few returned rich.  Many died on the trail, ill-prepared for cold weather.  Others made it to Yukon Territory only to leave a few months later, broke and down-hearted.  The Klondike Gold Rush is remembered as the last great adventure of the 19^th century. 

The first school in Seattle was started in 1854 by Catharine Blaine.  Until November 1861, it was a “tuition” or private school, instead of a state school.  In 1861, the students were sent to the new Territorial University (now known as the University of Washington).  The University closed three times in the next twenty years due to shortage of funds and students. 

Because of the late start Washington had in education, female teachers and students were accepted without question.  In 1864, Asa Mercer recruited fifteen women to increase the supply of teachers and women in the Puget Sound area.  Known as the Mercer Girls, many taught in the territory, even at the University.  Elizabeth Ordway, one of the Mercer Girls, started the first public school in Seattle.  In 1876, Clara McCarty became the first graduate from the University of Washington.  McCarty went on to become a teacher and the first superintendent of the Pierce County schools.

By the time Washington became a state in 1889, the University of Washington was firmly established and other universities had started.  In 1882, Whitman Seminary was changed into the four-year, degree-granting Whitman College.  Washington State University was founded in 1890 and opened in 1892 as the state’s land-grant college. 

Washington has a unique history regarding civil rights and racial discrimination due to the numerous racial groups living there.  From the 1910s through the 1960s, many areas of life in King County were restricted not only from African Americans, but Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans.  Segregation of employment and housing led to segregated schooling.  Schools that primarily or exclusively taught colored children received less funding and less experienced teachers.  The results were lower test scores, lower graduation rates, and graduates who had learned they were inferior and worthless. 

From the late 1950s to the 1960s, civil rights groups tried to persuade a white school board to deal with the racial discrimination in the Seattle Public Schools.  Unsuccessful, they resorted to more dramatic actions: the Seattle School Boycott of 1966.  For two days, students left Seattle’s public schools to attend integrated “freedom schools”.  Around 30% of the participating students were white.  Although the boycott opened the eyes of many white people, the removal of segregated schools took several years to complete.  Now, the Washington State Constitution promises[*] to provide sufficient education without discrimination. 

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. 

 Design 1

 Design 2

 Design 3

The first major event in Washington politics dates back to 1853, when a smart-thinking Kentucky congressman tried to avoid confusion.  Washington had just gained its independence from Oregon Territory.  The new territory’s settlers petitioned Congress to name the territory "Columbia" after the river that separates it from Oregon.  Before the bill was passed, Congressman Richard H. Stanton convinced his colleagues to call the territory “Washington” to avoid confusion with the District of Columbia.  For nearly 150 years now, we have been the “other Washington.” 

Washington became a state in 1889.  Under the Enabling Act, it was allowed to form its own constitution and state government.  At that time, the majority of politicians were Republican.  The political division of Senate and House from 1889 was:

Senate: Democrat . . . . . . . 1
Republican . . . . . . 34
House: Democrat . . . . . . . 7
Republican . . . . . . 62
Independent . . . . . 1
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Until 1933, Washington remained a dominantly Republican state.  During the Depression, Roosevelt’s New Deal caused a split between the Democrats and Republicans.  The New Deal was formed to provide direct relief, economic recovery, and financial reform.  While people are still debating if the New Deal was successful in providing the “three Rs”, it provided Washington Democrats the edge needed to get on the state legislature. 

The leading organizations supporting the New Deal were the Washington Commonwealth Federation (WCF) and the Communist Party of Washington State (CP).  The WCF focused on political and economic reform; the CP strived to fulfill Lenin’s pledge[i] by fighting racial injustice.  With the help of the WCF, several CP members were elected to the Seattle City Council and Washington State Legislature.  Again working with the WCF, the CP was able to significantly improve the lives of minorities.

For a decade or so, communists were elected to leadership positions in a handful of left-wing organizations.  Then World War II ended and a national “Red Scare” occurred.  Washington had highly depended on the CP over the past few years.  Washingtonians feared the power of the Communists over them and made some radical changes that deprived communists of their First Amendment rights.  During the 1946 campaign, Republicans made use of the Red Scare, saying Democrats had “sold their soul to the Communist Party.”  In 1947, Republicans gained control in the House and Senate.  On March 8, 1947, Washington State Legislature passed the Un-American Activities bill. 

By 1949, Democrats had regained control of the legislature, though less extreme.  A new generation and the Vietnam War hardened the boundaries between liberals and conservatives, as well as between urban and rural.  Mass beat land, and King County continued to lead liberals to the legislature.  The next thirty years were spent battling over racism, women’s rights, campaign reform, and environmental protection. 

Although the Democrats still hold the lead in Washington politics (and have since 1980), recent events have shown their lead is not unshakeable.  The 2004 race for governor between Dino Rossi (Republican) and Christine Gregoire (Democrat) was the closest in Washington State history and in any governors’ race in the United States.  After two recounts and court battle, Rossi lost by 129 votes to current Governor Gregoire. 

The Rossi/Gregoire race pointed out several deficiencies with the Washington State voting system, and led to heated debate between the different parties.  In the governor’s race, Rossi narrowly led the initial count and a machine recount, but lost in the hand recount requested by the Democrat party.  The Republicans questioned and sued over the number of votes from deceased people and convicted felons included in the election – particularly from King County, known to be strongly democratic.  Superior Court Judge John Bridges rejected the claims saying that while they were significant there was no evidence of fraud or manipulation.  Republicans called Democrats cheaters; Democrats insisted they weren’t. 

Rossi is expected to run for Governor in 2008.  Analysts in both parties agree that a rematch wouldn’t just be a rerun of ‘04.  Former thinking that “pandering to rural voters is a waste of time”[ii] has been abolished.  Democrats realize the weight of King County may not be enough to hold the election and have started campaigning across Lake Washington, hoping to gain more power.  If Rossi runs and wins, he will end the 24-year-hold Democrats have on the governor’s seat.

—————————

[i] “Not even the slightest degree of oppression, or the slightest injustice in respect of a national minority- such are the principles of working class democracy.” 

[ii] From “Better Dead Than Red,” by Dan Savage. It was printed by the Portland Mercury and The Stranger in 2004.

Seattle was founded in the 1850s and named after Chief Seattle, a leader of the Suquamish Tribe in the early 1800s. Chief Seattle was known for his courage and leadership by both Native Americans and Europeans.  His interest in European culture gained him a reputation as a friend of the whites.  He formed a personal relationship with “Doc” Maynard, a white settler and advocate of Native American rights. 

In January of 1854, Chief Seattle gave his famous speech in response to a proposed treaty presented by Territorial Governor Isaac I. Stevens asking the Native Americans to trade land for money.  While Chief Seattle agreed to go along with the treaty negotiations, others revolted.  Chief Seattle helped protect the settlers and saved Doc Maynard from an assassination attempt by another Native American.  At the urging of Doc Maynard, the settlers named their city after him. 

Another orator and famous chief from Washington State is Chief Joseph.  Chief Joseph succeeded his father as leader of a Nez Percé band after Joseph the Elder’s death in 1871.  As the number of white settlers in the land increased, Chief Joseph struggled with the federal government for the fair treatment of the Native Americans. 

In 1877, General Oliver Otis Howard threatened military action unless Chief Joseph’s band moved to a reservation in Idaho.  Chief Joseph unwillingly led his people toward Idaho.  While Chief Joseph believed military resistance was futile, twenty young Nez Percé warriors raided nearby settlements and killed several whites.  The army pursued Chief Joseph’s band, attacking them at White Bird Creek.  As a war broke out, he unsuccessfully tried to lead his people to safety in Canada.  40 miles from the Canadian border, U.S. troops cornered his band.  Chief Joseph was never a war chief, but his widely spread surrender speech has immortalized him as a military leader.  He spent the rest of his life fighting for the rights of Native Americans.  

Spokane Garry was another “peace chief” among the Native Americans of Washington State.  Born in the early 1800s, Spokane Garry grew up around white traders and was also taught at the Anglican Mission School in Winnipeg, Canada.  While he realized the danger in the growing numbers of the white men, he was unafraid of them and accepted the Christian teachings.  With the help of his friend Kootenai Pelly, Spokane Garry spread Christianity among the Spokane and Nez Percé tribes. 

As Spokane Garry became older, he received much respect from both his own people and the white settlers in the area.  While he worked for peace between his people and the settlers, he also strived for the fair treatment of his people.  He tried to make a treaty with Governor Stevens for a reservation along the Spokane River.  But the land was too valuable to the white settlers, and each time the U.S. government denied his request. 

In 1888, white men took illegal possession of Spokane Garry’s farm.  The last years of his life were spent homeless and broke.  By 1891, he was too ill to work.  Spokane Garry died the following year, holding his prayer book and Bible.

You feel guilty when you don’t recycle. (shh… - and it’s true)

You use the phrase "sun break" and know what it means. (of course!)

You know more than 10 ways to order coffee. (actually, I don’t - but I know people who know more than 20)

You know more people who own boats than air conditioners. (true)

You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant. (true)

You’ve stood on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" Signal. (*cough*)

You understand that if it has no snow or has not erupted, it is not a real mountain. (true!!!)

You can taste the difference between Starbuck’s, Seattle’s Best, Veneto’s, Peet’s, and Tully’s. (I still make mistakes…)

You know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon. (yeah, you can’t?)

You consider swimming an indoor sport. (um… it’s not outdoor?)

You are well versed in the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food. (not forgetting Vietnamese, Indonesian, and all the others)

In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark — while only working eight-hour days. (yep)

You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho. (yep)

You are not fazed by "Today’s forecast: showers followed by rain," and "Tomorrow’s forecast: rain followed by showers." (it was a bit annoying when the rain lasted for a whole month…)

You have no concept of humidity without precipitation. (this isn’t the east!)

You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see through the cloud cover. (now that you mention it, yes)

You notice "the mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it. (yep)

You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka. (sometimes…)

You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on. (no!!)

You’ve actually used your mountain bike on a mountain. (I would if I had one)

You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists. (yep)

You knew immediately that the view out of Frasier’s window was fake. (me: :-)

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Washington. (I think this is proof… )

Tacoma Dome Controversy

Circa 1982
Myron Thompson
Tacoma News Tribune

A major issue that stirred up Pierce County and Tacoma in the early 1980s was the building of the Tacoma Dome. Nearly every resident had an opinion about how the dome should be built.

This Thompson cartoon shows the different factions that joined the fray. A Tacoma Dome "jury" of citizens was finally chosen to decide on design plans, and the Dome opened its doors to the public on April 21, 1983, on schedule and under budget. It is the largest wood domed structure in the world, and besides being a great facility for athletics, it is nationally known for its high concert-quality acoustics.

Groups of Northern Indian tribes from British Columbia were causing problems in Puget Sound. Traveling in war canoes, armed with Hudson Bay Company muskets and having contempt for any law but force. When one of these groups showed up at Henderson Bay near Steilacoom and began to terrorize a logging camp, word quickly was sent to the nearby Army headquarters.

Lt. Col. Silas Casey, commanding Fort Steilacoom, quickly sent troops to drive the Indians away and ordering them to leave the Puget Sound region. The Indians removed themselves beyond the range of the fort’s guns, but no farther. The next day Casey observing that the Army had no vessels with which to enforce its orders requested assistance from the Navy. Writing to Commander Samuel Swartwout, captain of the USS Massachusetts Casey requested that Swartwout "…take the matter in hand, and take such steps as you may think best calculated, to advance the interest of all concerned.."

Swartwout set sail for Steilacoom early on November 19, 1856, only to find the Indians had departed during the night. The Massachusetts steamed north in pursuit, arriving in the evening at Port Madison where the same Indians had caused more problems for the settlers. As it was too late to go much farther, Swartwout ordered a halt for the night and resumed the at 8:40 the next morning.

From passing vessels it was learned the war party appeared heading for Port Gamble. The Massachusetts proceeded there and arrived at at 12:45. Within the hour Commander Swartwout dispatched two small boats ashore containing eighteen armed men and an interpreter. The Indians were found to have joined forces with more Northerners and now numbered 117 in all besides quite a few women and children, encamped along the beach. The shore party, commanded by Lt. I. Young, were under orders to "…have a friendly talk…" with the Indians and "…endeavor to prevail on them to leave the Sound peaceably…"

Swartwout planed to tow them in their own canoes across the Strait as far as Victoria, with two or three of their chiefs traveling on board his vessel as hostages. But as the shore party neared the beach, a large force of Indians rushed down to meet them, brandishing rifles and threatening to shoot anyone who landed. Lt. Young tried communicating Swartwout’s orders to them from the launch but only received jeers and threats in replay. Faced with the menacing situation Young hurriedly order the boats back to the Massachusetts.

Swartwout sent to town for a local man, a Dr. Bigelow, to act as emissary. Bigelow approaching the Indians camp under a flag of truce while three boats carrying 45 armed men and a howitzer ranged themselves off shore. Bigelow conveyed Swartwout’s proposition to the Indians who replied that they would not leave until they were good and ready. The Indians then gave more threats and insults at Lt. Young and his men. Young expected them to attack at any moment and withdrew for the second time.

By now it was beginning to get dark and a heavy rain storm threatened. Concluding that more direction action would be necessary, Swartwout had the ship moved closer to shore and prepared for an attack in the morning. At day light an interpreter again went ashore under a flag of truce to repeat Swartwout’s demands. While this was going on a party of 29 men, under the command of Lt. Seemes (Lt. Young had fallen and was injured) came ashore in heavy seas, wading through chilly waist-high water and carrying with them one of the howitzers. Seemes advanced to where the interpreter was speaking with several chiefs and gave them a last opportunity to surrender. This was refused.

While Seemes was rejoining the shore party the Indians quickly took up positions at the edge of the woods. The Massachusetts began bombarding the camp with both round and grape shot, while the shore party charged under cover, driving the Indians into the dense woods, with the Indians firing their small arms and reloading as they went.

An Indian chief fell, wounded in the thigh, both legs broken. Two women ran out to aid him, and the marines called to them to surrender. One did and was taken prisoner; the other refused and was shot and killed. The shore party began destroying the Indians canoes, huts and other property including three hundred new blankets. The shore party returned to the ship about 10:00 in the morning. For the rest of the day the Massachusetts bombarded the woods, firing at anything seen moving in the timber, pausing only to bring the ship even closer to shore. Another shore land was made to smash one last canoe which had been only partly damaged earlier in the day. The Massachusetts continued its bombardment until sunset, when Swartout sent the woman who had been taken prisoner ashore with a demand for surrender; the Indians replied that they would fight to the last man.

But that night the Indians counted up their dead and wounded and hunted for their missing while shivering unprotected in a cold November rain. At daybreak they had enough. Two of their chiefs visited the ship and surrendered, a white flag was hoisted on the Massachusetts and all hostilities ceased.

The Indians had 27 men killed, including one of their principal chiefs. They had 21 wounded, had lost all their belongings, and were without food or shelter of any kind. The Navy had one killed, one injured, and three instances of being struck by bullets which glanced off such objects as pistols and knife handles. Swartwout issued the Indians bread and molasses and gave them twenty-four hours to bury their dead. During the night of November 24-25 he loaded the survivors aboard the Massachusetts, steamed across to Victoria and when the British governor there refused to take them off his hands, proceeded on up the coast to Lasqueti Island where he put them ashore.

Although the Indians promised never to return to the Puget Sound region they did; the following August and avenged their dead by beheading Whidbey Island settler Isaac N. Ebey.