Washington (state)

Washington is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

It is the 18th-largest state by land area. It is also the 13th-most populous state, with over 8 million residents. Washington is the second-most populous state on the West Coast, following California. The state is unique because it is the only U.S. state named after a president. Both the state and the national capital, Washington, D.C., are named after George Washington. To avoid confusion, residents often refer to the state as "Washington state."

The state sits in a very specific geographic position. To the west, it borders the Pacific Ocean. To the south, it is bordered by Oregon. Idaho sits to the east. To the north, Washington shares an international border with British Columbia, Canada.

Much of the population lives in the Seattle metropolitan area. This area sits on the Puget Sound. The Puget Sound is an inlet of the Pacific Ocean. It contains many islands, bays, and deep fjords. These features were originally carved out by moving glaciers.

Washington's landscape changes significantly depending on your location. The western part of the state contains deep temperate rainforests. You will also find several mountain ranges in the west and center.

Mount Rainier is the highest point in the state. It is an active stratovolcano, which is a type of volcano built by layers of ash and lava. In the east, center, and south, the land is a semi-arid basin. This means the region is quite dry. This dry land is used for intensive agriculture.

Indigenous peoples have lived in this region for thousands of years. Many established tribes inhabited the area long before European arrival. They were known for making canoes, long houses, and carved masks. Some tribes focused on salmon fishing. The Makah people were also known for whale hunting. In 1996, scientists found the remains of Kennewick Man in Washington. These remains were dated to between 8,400 and 8,690 years ago.

European exploration began in the late 1700s. Spanish Captain Don Bruno de Heceta made the first recorded European landing in 1775. Later, British explorers like James Cook and George Vancouver explored the coasts. The region was often contested between Britain and the United States. This was known as the Oregon boundary dispute. The 1846 Oregon Treaty finally set the border at the 49th parallel. This treaty established the boundary used today between Washington and British Columbia.

Washington became part of the United States through several steps. It was originally part of the Washington Territory, created in 1853. Most of the land was ceded by Indigenous peoples through the Stevens treaties of 1854–1855. The territory was also formed from lands ceded by the British Empire. Washington was officially admitted to the Union in 1889. This made it the 42nd state.

The state economy is very diverse and productive. Washington is a leading producer of lumber. It is also the top producer in the U.S. for apples, hops, pears, blueberries, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries.

The state also produces significant amounts of grapes, potatoes, and wine. Commercial fishing is another major industry, especially for salmon and halibut. Manufacturing is also important. Companies in Washington build aircraft, missiles, and ships.

Today, Washington is known for being a wealthy and socially liberal state. It has high rates of employment and life expectancy. The state was among the first to legalize medicinal and recreational cannabis. It was also an early leader in introducing same-sex marriage. The state's major cities, like Seattle, serve as centers for business and transportation.

This mix of natural beauty and industry makes Washington a vital part of the American West.