The outside explorers and fur traders who traveled to Puget Sound country in the early 1800s found a world of wild forests, sheltered bays and Northwest Indian villages rich in cedar, salmon and clams. By the middle of the century settlers from the United States were trickling into the region. On January 12, 1850, a Maine man named Edmund Sylvester hopefully platted a townsite along the shore of Budd Inlet and christened it Olympia-probably after its stunning view of the nearby Olympic Mountains.

When Washington Territory was created out of the northern reaches of Oregon in 1853, the frontier port of Olympia was named as its provisional capital. Territorial legislators made the selection permanent in 1855. Despite some serious challenges from other eager towns, Olympia has served ever since as Washington's capital city.

This tour is designed to help you discover the City of Olympia through its historic sites and buildings. These range from sturdy pioneer homes and cast-iron Victorian storefronts to one of the most magnificent Capitols found in all 50 states. Whether seen on-line or in-person, each of Olympia's heritage sites has its own special story to tell.

Every featured location is clearly marked on the accompanying city map. Printed walking tours of historic downtown Olympia and six residential neighborhoods are also available. For more information please contact the Olympia City Historian at (360) 756-5745 or info@trpc.org.

Mid-1920s street scene, looking west up 5th Avenue from Franklin Street. ©Jeffers Studio photo from the Susan Parish Collection.