From the Archives: When Olympia was incorporated

January 27, 2014

Part of the Territorial Legislature's act incorporating Olympia. (Image courtesy of Washington State Archives)

When you consider that Olympia was founded in 1850 and selected by Territorial Gov. Isaac Stevens in 1853 to be the capital of Washington Territory, you might also assume that Olympia was incorporated as a town around this time as well. In fact, Olympia wasn’t incorporated until Jan. 28, 1859, when the Territorial Legislature did the honors. Part of the official act incorporating Olympia 155 years ago this week can be seen here, as well as above. The document is kept on file at our State Archives in Olympia. Go here to learn more about Olympia’s history.
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