Olympia, WA

Guide Note

Olympia is the capital of Washington State. It is known for being the cultural center of the Puget Sound area. The area has diverse cultural backgrounds including Caucasian, African-American, Native-American, Asian, Pacific Islander and Hispanic.

Fast Facts

1. Country: United States
2. State: Washington
3. Mayor: Mark Foutch
4. Population: 43,963 (2003)
5. Capital of Washington
6. Founded: 1846
7. Time Zone: PST

History

Olympia was home to the Squaxin, Nisqually, Puyallup, Chehalis, Suquamish, and Duwamish. European explorers, including Peter Puget, first visited the area in 1792. The area was claimed in the 1840's by Edmund Sylvester and Levi Smith. The city received it name due to it's view of the Olympic Mountains.

Famous Residents

1. Kurt Cobain
2. Ted Nugent
3. Bob Barker
4. George Munro

Recognition

1. Forbes Magazine: Named #8 on the 2008 Best Places for Business and Careers, and named #10 on the 2007 list
2. Named #16 on Sperling's 2007 ranking of Best United States Cities
3. Named #36 on the 2007 Country Home Magazine list of Best Green Cities in America
4. Featured in the 2006 edition of 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family