HISTORY
The following important events in the history of Washington affected
political boundaries, record-keeping, and family movements.
1800s
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Spain, Russia, and England
all claimed what is now Washington.
1811
John Jacob Astor (American) established a trading post at Astoria. This
was the first settlement in this area.
1819
Spain withdrew her claims.
1825
Russia withdrew her claims.
1836
Marcus Whitman established the second white settlement near present-day
Walla Walla. Early settlement centered in the Willamette
valley.
1846
The present boundary between the United States and Canada was
established.
1848
The Oregon Territory was created. It included what is now Oregon,
Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.
1849
Settlers went farther north into the Puget Sound area to obtain food and
lumber that was needed in the California gold fields.
1850
The Oregon Donation Act was passed. This guaranteed land to those who
settled and cultivated land in the territory before 1855. This attracted
an estimated 30,000 new settlers.
1853
Washington Territory was created from the northern part of Oregon
Territory.
1859
Oregon became a state. Washington Territory was enlarged to include the
remaining Oregon territory not included in the new state.
1860
The discovery of gold near Walla Walla attracted many prospectors.
1863
The Idaho Territory was created from lands in eastern Washington
Territory.
1881
The Northern Pacific Railway reached Spokane.
1888
The transcontinental railroads reached Washington and brought a great
influx of settlers.
1889
Washington became a state. Seattle was the largest city and the chief
supply point for the gold rush to the Yukon territory in Alaska.
A helpful source for studying the history of Washington is Harvey K.
Hines, An Illustrated History of the State of Washington:
Containing... Biographical Mention of...its Pioneers and Prominent
Citizens... (Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1893; FHL book 979.7 D3h;
film
1,000,637).
Background information on Washington counties is in Newton Carl Abbott
and Fred E. Carver, The Evolution of Washington Counties (N.p.: Yakima
Valley Genealogical Society & Klickitat County
Historical Society, 1978; FHL book 979.7 D25a; fiche 6051194). This is
listed in the FHLC under WASHINGTON - HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC.