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- Capital: Olympia
- Governor: Chris Gregoire
- Population (2007): 6,488,0002007 Data Book: Washington State General Info
- Land Area in Square Miles: 66,544.062007 Data Book: Washington State General Info
- Density (Persons per Square Mile-2007): 97.52007 Data Book: Washington State General Info
- Founded: November 11, 1889
- Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Major cities: Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Spokane
- Official state items: Coast Rhododendron (flower), Western Hemlock (tree), Steelhead Trout (fish), Petrified Wood (gem), Apple (fruit), Orca (marine mammal)
- Nickname: The Evergreen StateAbout.com: Washington State Nickname
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Washington State is the 18th largest state in the United States. It is located in the Pacific Northwest, bordered by Oregon and Idaho. It is the only state named after a President. Major businesses in the area include jet aircraft (due to Boeing), computer software development (due to Microsoft, Amazon.com and Nintendo), biotechnology, aluminum production, lumber and wood products and mining.
This state is divided by the Cascade Range which runs north to south. To the west of the Cascade Range , often referred to as Western Washington, a marine west coast climate prevails with mild temperatures, wet winters with usually some snow and dry summers. There are dense forests with an area on the Olympic Peninsula that has the Hoh Rain Forest. In contrast , the area just east of the Cascades is somewhat dry with some desert; however, as you go more to the east you will see more moisture and grassland that is covered with farmlands. There are also forests and some mountainous areas in this area known as Eastern Washington. [1]
There are 5 vocanic mountains in Washington: Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. All of these mountains are considered as active volcanoes but only Mount St. Helens is considered as erupting. Also, Mount Rainier, being the highest mountain in the state is said to be covered with more glacial ice than any other peak in the lower 48 states. [2]History
It was the 42nd state admitted to the Union, on November 11, 1889. Prior to arrival of European explorers, the area was had many Native American settlers, including Chinook, Lummi, Quinault, Makah, Quileute, and Snohomish. The Plateau tribes include the Cayuse, Nez Percé, Okanogan, Palouse, Spokane, Wenatchee, and Yakima. Today the state has 20 Native American Reservations. During World War II, the Puget Sound area became very important due to the Boeing Company producing the nation's heavy bombers and ports in Seattle, Bremerton, Vancouver, and Tacoma.Washington State's Official...
- Flower: Coast Rhododendron
- Tree: Western Hemlock
- Bird: Willow Goldfinch
- Song: Washington, My Home
- Fish: Steelhead Trout
- Gem: Petrified Wood
- Dance: Square Dance
- Folk Song: Roll On, Columbia, Roll On
- Fruit: Apple
- Grass: Bluebunch Wheatgrass
- Insect: Green Darner Dragonfly
- Fossil: Columbian Mammoth
- Marine Mammal: Orca
- Amphibianamphibian: Pseudacris regilla
- Ship: Lady Washington
Little Known Facts
There is a Petrified Forest called Ginkgo at the base of the Cascade Mountains, near town of Vantage.unusal-washington-state-factsThe NE portion of the state has prime wheat farming area which was land given by the federal government to the Nez Perce Indian Tribe. This land produces more wheat per acre than any other area in the world.unusal-washington-state-facts
The Federal Government built the town of Richland to support The Manhatton Project which created fuel for one of the atomic bombs.unusal-washington-state-facts
The state is named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States but did you know that there were towns of George and Martha in Washington? Martha no longer exists. George was home to outdoor music events.
Point Roberts, an unincorporated community in Whatcom County, WA USA can only be reached from the US by boat or by traveling thru Canada.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/point_roberts_washington
There is an old law that bans lollipops in Washington.http://www.rcasteel.com/StrangeThings/laws.aspx
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Mt Rainier National Park
A musical trip in Mt Rainier National Park
motherjj added a comment November 16, 2009 06:55 PM| ReportLove this music and the tranquil scenes of Mount Rainier National Park, at the base of the park is a small town Enumclaw which is a nice place to visit. -
Peace Arch Between U.S. and Canada
motherjj added a comment November 16, 2009 06:51 PM| ReportThis is one of the most peaceful places to go, the gardens are beautiful, have you been there?
Also, on the waterfront in Blaine, there is the best Fish & Chips. -
Washington State News
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Seattle Times Retail Report column: Energy use becomes part of TV-buying equation
istockAnalyst.com (press release)
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Washington State Questions
Where is the best place to visit in Washington State and why? 3 AnswersMt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens are both beautiful. You can't do both in one day, but they are close enough together that you could do them both in a long weeke... read more
Does Washington State have wineries and if so where are they and which is the best? 3 AnswersYes there are many different wineries around Washington State. Below you will find a list of wineries around the state and phone numbers for each. Also I have i... read more
Do you need a business license to be self employed or work freelance in Washington state? 2 AnswersIt appears to depend upon what your business activity will be. From the Washington State Department of Licensing: Before starting your business, be prepared to ... read more
will there be an unemployement extenstion for washington state 1 AnswerI thought that the entire US was getting an extension for unemployment. I'm not sure what it used to be, but now most states will have 33 weeks of unemployment ... read more


