Washington Counties, oh how they have changed!





Image

map 1889










On November 11th, 1889 Washington was declared the forty-second state by President Benjamin Harrison.

Well, it’s 124 years later and oh so much has happened in our beautiful Evergreen State! The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, eruption of Mount Saint Helens, creation and expansion of numerous world famous companies, the legalization of marijuana and marriage equality, to name a few.

Photographs of Washington in 1889 provide clear evidence of the change our state has gone through in the past century. Maps, like this one of Washington at statehood illustrate the ways in which, geographically, our state has changed.

To begin, take a look at the upper eastern corner of the map. The counties now known as Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille were once one giant county known as Stevens. Wow!

What is now Benton County was a part of Yakima County and Grant was that of Douglas, Kittitas also encompassed what is now known as Chelan County.

Aside from all the shape-shifting and dividing, Clark County, named after William Clark of the duo Lewis and Clark, was spelled Clarke with an added ‘e’. And Grays Harbor, though geographically the same, was named Chehalis when Washington became a state.

The map is a great resource for geographers and Washington State enthusiasts. Take a look for yourself!
(no html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Image
Image of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

Search Our Corner

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.