A Report on The State of Washington

Washington State, named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States, offers a diverse landscape encompassing mountains, forests, and modern urban centers. Nestled in the far western corner of the country, it shares its borders with Oregon and Idaho and boasts a geographical position at approximately 120 degrees west longitude and 48 degrees north latitude. With a population of roughly 6,549,224 people, Washington's capital is Olympia.

This state features several notable symbols. The willow goldfinch serves as the state bird, while the coast rhododendron is the state flower. Washington designates the steelhead trout as its state fish and the western hemlock as its state tree. Petrified wood holds the distinction of being the state gem/rock, while the Pacific chorus frog earns the title of state amphibian. The orca whale proudly represents Washington as the state marine mammal.

History

Historical accounts reveal Washington's transformation into a state on November 11, 1889. Originally part of Britain's territory, it fell under British influence when the explorer Vancouver explored the Puget Sound and claimed the region for Britain. Subsequently, the United States assumed full control of Washington and the Oregon territory in 1846 through the Oregon Treaty. This territory encompassed not only Washington but also Idaho, Wyoming, and parts of Montana. In 1889, Washington was admitted to the union as the 42nd state.

Early settlers, predominantly fur traders, ventured into the region to trade with Native Americans for valuable fur that could be sold in China and Europe. In 1792, explorer Robert Gray discovered the Puget Sound, an ocean inlet, and in 1805, the famous Lewis and Clark expedition reached Washington after traversing the vast distance from Missouri. The Suquamish and Duwamish tribes were led by a prominent figure named Seattle, and the city of Seattle, known for its iconic Space Needle, was named in honor of this tribal leader. Washington holds 12 electoral votes in national elections.

Spanning an area of approximately 71,300 square miles, Washington ranks as the 18th largest state in the United States. It boasts dimensions of 360 miles in length and 240 miles in width, with its only coastline along the Pacific coast. Mount Rainier, with a towering summit at 14,410 feet, stands as the state's highest point, while the Pacific Ocean, at sea level, represents its lowest point. Washington's landscape includes a rich array of features such as lakes, rivers, peninsulas, sounds, and mountains, with the Cascade Range running north to south being one of its prominent mountain ranges.

Climate

Washington experiences a climate characterized by cooler summers and milder winters. Temperature extremes in the state have ranged from a scorching 118 degrees Fahrenheit to a bone-chilling -48 degrees Fahrenheit. Average summer temperatures hover around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while mid-winter averages about 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Washington is renowned for its ample rainfall, receiving between 40 to 100 inches of precipitation annually. The Olympic Peninsula stands out with an astonishing 135 inches of annual rainfall.

With over 23 million acres of forest, the majority of which is located in the western part of the state, Washington boasts a lush environment teeming with wildlife. Common tree species include Douglas fir, western red cedar, and ponderosa pine, with the western hemlock serving as the state tree. The western region is a haven for various animals, including Canada lynx, coyotes, red foxes, and black bears. Both oceans and lakes in Washington host a diverse aquatic population, featuring orcas, smallmouth bass, white sturgeon, and various bird species such as kingfishers and Oregon jays.

Economy

Washington's economic landscape encompasses several thriving industries. Notably, lumber production played a crucial role, especially during World War I when the United States had a high demand for lumber. The Great Depression followed, but with World War II came a resurgence in shipbuilding, aircraft construction, and atomic energy projects. These industries spurred economic growth, leading to a surge in the state's population. Commercial fisheries flourished, catching salmon, herring, cod, and shellfish, while the Columbia River provided ample fishing grounds for trout and other freshwater species.

In addition to agriculture that yields crops like winter wheat, barley, peas, and lentils, Washington houses one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the United States. The Grand Coulee Dam, situated on the Columbia River, generates clean energy from water, earning it the distinction of being an engineering marvel often dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The state also boasts a presence of major corporations, including Boeing, Microsoft, and Starbucks Coffee, whose headquarters are located within Washington's borders.

Tourism

The state of Washington boasts a plethora of attractions and unique destinations that cater to a wide array of interests. Among the most prominent are the Seattle Space Center, the Museum of Glass, and the Boeing factory, which particularly captivates aviation enthusiasts. The Washington State Capitol building stands as an iconic landmark, drawing visitors from near and far. This majestic edifice soars to a height of 287 feet, dominating the tree-lined streets at the heart of the city.

The Seattle Space Center, encompassing approximately 74 acres, prominently features the renowned Seattle Space Needle. Originating from the 1962 World's Fair, this expansive campus offers an array of attractions beyond the iconic needle, including monorails, museums, parklands, and a variety of dining establishments. Notable recent additions include the Chihuly Garden of Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Seattle is also home to the Woodland Park Zoo, one of the region's largest zoological facilities. The zoo showcases a diverse collection of animals, including tigers, red pandas, and snow leopards. Visitors can explore numerous exhibits, such as the African Savannah, Ambassador Animals, and the Assam Rhino Reserve. A recent addition to the zoo is Hasani, a giraffe born on May 2, 2019, albeit with a disorder affecting its rear legs. Moreover, the zoo celebrated a historic milestone with the birth of four North American river otter pups, marking the first occurrence of such an event in its 119-year history.

Washington provides a convenient network of 11 primary airports to serve its residents and visitors. The largest among them is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which accommodates an average of 30 million passengers annually, ranking as the 18th busiest airport in the United States. In total, the state boasts more than 140 airports, a testament to its well-connected transportation infrastructure. Notably, Washington residents often rely on ferries to expediently cross the Puget Sound, a preference shared by many tourists. In fact, Washington's ferry system ranks among the largest in the world.

Famous People

The state of Washington has been the birthplace of numerous notable individuals who have left an indelible mark on various fields. Among them are Bill Gates, Chester Carlson, and Bing Crosby. Bill Gates, born in Seattle, embarked on his software development journey at the tender age of 13. Upon departing from Harvard University, he founded Microsoft Corporation, solidifying his status as one of the world's wealthiest individuals.

Bing Crosby, a legendary figure in the realms of music and film, also hails from Tacoma, Washington. His rendition of "White Christmas" remains one of the most iconic songs in history, and he achieved fame in both comedic and dramatic roles on the silver screen. Notably, he secured an Academy Award for his portrayal of a priest in the 1944 film "Going My Way," the highest accolade in the Hollywood film industry.

Chester Carlson, born in Seattle in 1906, made a significant contribution to the world through his invention of the first photocopier, which he referred to as electrophotography. In 1944, he sold his revolutionary concept to a company that would later become Xerox Corporation, leading to the development and commercialization of photocopying technology. Carlson's innovation also paved the way for the creation of other devices, including laser printers.

The Largest cities in Washington are led by Seattle, with a population of approximately 730,400 residents. It is worth noting that despite its size and significance, Seattle is not the state's capital. The city is renowned for hosting the 1962 World's Fair and unveiling the iconic Space Needle. Additionally, Bill Gates, the renowned founder of Microsoft, was born in Seattle. The city is also synonymous with the Space Needle, which stands as the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Comprising four floors and crowned with a luminous beacon, the Space Needle offers a distinctive urban vista.

Seattle further distinguishes itself with attractions such as the Chihuly Garden of Glass, an exciting addition to the local cultural landscape. The city is also home to the Seattle Aquarium, housing a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, sea otters, and giant clams. Meanwhile, the Museum of Flight stands as a testament to the rich history of aviation and space exploration, boasting one of the country's most extensive air and space collections. Seattle's namesake can be traced back to Chief Seattle of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, honoring the region's indigenous heritage.

Interesting Facts

Washington State boasts an active volcano, Mount St. Helens, situated in Skamania County. The volcano achieved notoriety for its eruption on May 18, 1980, which resulted in the tragic loss of 57 lives. The cataclysmic event sent gas and ash soaring 16 miles into the sky, while mud and lava flowed down the mountainside.

In 1962, the iconic Seattle Space Needle was completed in tandem with the World's Fair. The Boeing company, a prominent player in the aerospace industry, traces its origins to 1916 when it was founded by William E. Boeing. Washington's path to statehood saw it emerge as the 42nd state in the United States after breaking away from Oregon. Lastly, within the confines of the Yakima Indian reservation, over 12,000 wild horses roam freely, creating a unique and captivating sight.

Conclusion

References

1. Washington State Government. (n.d.). History of Washington State. https://www.washington.gov/about-washington/history-washington
2. Seattle Space Needle. (n.d.). About the Space Needle. https://www.spaceneedle.com/about/
3. Woodland Park Zoo. (n.d.). About the Zoo. https://www.zoo.org/about
4. Boeing. (n.d.). Our Company. https://www.boeing.com/company/general-info/
5. HistoryLink. (n.d.). Mount St. Helens Eruption, May 18, 1980. https://www.historylink.org/File/2337
6. Washington State Tourism. (n.d.). Explore Washington State. https://www.experiencewa.com/