Washington Secretary of State

Washington History

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Territorial Timeline

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|1543
Spanish explorers reach southern Oregon

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1579
The Washington coast sighted by Sir Francis Drake and claimed for England

|1592
Discovery of Strait of Juan de Fuca claimed by Juan de Fuca

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1603
A “great river,” probably the Columbia River discovered by Martin Aquilar

|1774
The first recorded trading in Pacific Northwest between Europeans and Native Americans

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1775
The first known Europeans set foot on Washington State soil

|1778
Captain Cook discovered and claimed Cape Flattery on the Olympic Peninsula for England

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1779
The name “Oregon” first appeared in print

|1787
Existence of the Strait of Juan de Fuca confirmed by Captain Charles Barkely; the first white woman sets foot on Washington

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1788
The Strait of Juan de Fuca explored by John Meares

|1788
The waters of the Pacific Northwest are explored by Captain Robert Gray and Captain John Kendrick

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1789
Estivan Martinez enters Nootka Sound and claims the Pacific Northwest for Spain

|1790
While exploring the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Alferez Quimper claimes the Pacific Northwest for Spain

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1790
Spain and England sign the Treaty of Nootka and affirm England’s claim to the Pacific Northwest

|1791
The Columbia River discovered by Robert Gray

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1792
While searching for the Northwest Passage, Captain George Vancouver explores Puget Sound and names the bordering land New Georgia

|1792
The Spanish fort at Neah Bay is abandoned

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