Tumwater in Thurston County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Tumwater
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, June 4, 2026
1. Tumwater Marker
Here the Deschutes River cascades into Budd Inlet, the southernmost point of Puget Sound, where the old Oregon Trail ended, the arduous route of hardy pioneers of the West. With determined disregard for British opposition to their settlement north of the Columbia River, a small band of pioneers founded here in 1846 the town of New Market, the first American community established on Puget Sound. The Indian name for the cataract was Spa Kwati, but in Chinook Jargon it was Tumwater, meaning throbbing water, which name New Market later adopted.
Erected by Olympia Tumwater Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 47° 0.784′ N, 122° 54.216′ W. Marker is in Tumwater, Washington, in Thurston County. It is on 3788 Capitol Blvd SE 0.1 miles north of E St SE, on the right when traveling north. On the bridge near the old brewery. The pull-off will accomodate about 3 cars. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Olympia WA 98501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oregon Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Soldiers' Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); A house from the early 20th century (approx. half a mile away);
this page online
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, June 4, 2026
2. Tumwater Marker environment
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
