AS YOU ENTER BUDD INLET...
The Dofflemyer Point Lighthouse greets you. It sits seven miles
north of the Port of Olympia, near the Boston Harbor Marina.
This structure provides the southernmost light in Puget Sound.
‘A JOYFUL NOISE’ - The . . . — — Map (db m234058) HM
Grasses, flowers and other plants support the food web of prairies. Butterflies thrive on flower nectar and may use just one plant species to host their caterpillars. Bees pollinate the flowers. Ground-nesting birds hide their nests among the . . . — — Map (db m71781)
What Makes a Prairie
Grasslands thrive where dry soil and frequent drought or fires limit or exclude trees and shrubs. The soils and climate in each of North America’s grasslands support a unique mix of native grasses, flowers, and other . . . — — Map (db m71780)
Early Encounters, Early Hypotheses
The Mima Mounds intrigues travelers and explorers in the 1800s as described in their journal entries.
MAY 20, 1841
Charles Wilkes, commander of the United States Exploring Expedition from . . . — — Map (db m71769) HM
More than 30 explanation have been proposed for the origin of the Mima Mounds, but none has been proven.
Were the Mounds Created by Glacial Ice?
In 1913 glacial geologist J Harlan Bretz completed the first detailed study of the Mima . . . — — Map (db m71779)
The Mima Mounds were formed some time after ice age glaciers began receding 16,500 years ago. Their origin has puzzled scientists and curious visitors since the mid-1800s. Research has revealed what we know so far about the glacial history of this . . . — — Map (db m71778)
Born in Brunswick, Maine, September 4th, 1838. Died in Olympia, Washington, December 26th, 1901. Twice governor of Washington.
Philosopher and statesman. Author of the Barefoot School Boy Law, which gives to every poor son of this . . . — — Map (db m83695) HM
This stretch of public shoreline—a part of the Washington State Capitol Campus—is named in honor of the first U.S. Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, which took place in Olympia on May 12, 1984. Competitors in that historic race ran 26.2 . . . — — Map (db m128630) HM
The Masonic Temple was built in 1854 by the first Masonic Lodge in Washington, Olympia Lodge No 1 F. and A. M. It was built on land donated by Edmund Sylvester who had platted the town of Olympia in 1850. Designed in a classical style, the . . . — — Map (db m91488) HM
In gratitude to those who sacrificed their freedom in the service of our country. We, the citizens of the State of Washington dedicated this monument to honor all former American Prisoners of War, those still missing, and those Americans who may . . . — — Map (db m92618) WM
Black pioneer George Bush (c.1790-1863) helped establish the first non-Indigenous American settlement in Washington. George, his wife Isabella and others traveled the Oregon Trail to escape discrimination and prejudice in Missouri, only to arrive . . . — — Map (db m234226) HM
1 1/4 miles north-west
is a bronze tablet
placed by
Sacajawea Chapter D.A.R.
marking site where
Governor Stevens
held council with Nisqually,
Puyallup and Squaxon Indians,
December 24-26, 1854.
This stone erected by
. . . — — Map (db m221682) HM
The first William Winlock Miller High School opened on this site in 1907. Known as Olympia High School, it was the first high school building in lower Puget Sound, built on land donated by Mary McFadden Miller. In 1851 her husband William Winlock . . . — — Map (db m128577) HM
A seedling from the Gray's Harbor "Lone Tree"
which served as a maritime beacon since it
guided Captain Robert Gray into the harbor in 1792.
Placed in honor of Charles Tallmadge Conover
patriot, historian and writer, who dedicated
his life to . . . — — Map (db m58662) HM
The Medal of Honor is the highest distinction which can be awarded to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. It is presented by the President in the name of Congress to an individual who while serving in the Armed Forces distinguished . . . — — Map (db m92619) WM
On June 6th 1870, in a time when women were barred from politics, 15 local women tested their citizenship rights by voting in a general election. After endearing themselves to the election judges in Grand Mound with a picnic dinner, seven Grand . . . — — Map (db m233377) HM
Named for Samuel E. Thurston, first Delegate to Congress from Oregon Territory, one year before Washington Territory was carved out of “North Oregon”
Traditional home of Nisqually, Squaxin Island and Upper Chehalis American Indian . . . — — Map (db m153964) HM
Here, in February 1909, both Houses of the Washington Legislature authorized a vote by the State’s qualified voters to amend the Washington State Constitution to enable women to vote in all elections. Male voters of Washington approved the amendment . . . — — Map (db m83709) HM
On August 3, 1911, the Washington State Capitol Commission awarded first prize in a design competition for our state's new capitol to New York architects Walter R. Wilder and Harry K. White. Wilder and White were relatively unknown, young . . . — — Map (db m128611) HM
From 1871 to 1873 the Northern Pacific Railroad constructed the “Prairie Line” from Kalama on the Columbia River to Tacoma on Puget Sound. With the coming of the railroad, logging and milling operations moved inland along the rails. Many of these . . . — — Map (db m192407) HM
Registered State Historic Place
Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Crosby House
Under the provisions of the State Historic Preservation Act of 1967, this property possesses particular value in commemorating . . . — — Map (db m118809) HM