Washington History for Students

As the leading historical society in the state, we often receive requests for homework help. While there are not enough of us here at the museum to help each student individually, here are a number of internet sites specifically related to Washington State and Pacific Northwest History that should prove useful and, hopefully, interesting.

COLUMBIA Magazine Articles

To view the tables of contents for all Columbia issues (Spring 1987 to present), please visit the Back Issues page. For articles arranged by topic, visit the Topical Index page

COLUMBIA: Fall 2003; Vol. 17, No. 3
The Creation of Washington Territory
Securing Democracy North of the Columbia
By Dennis Weber
View this article

COLUMBIA: Summer 1988; Vol. 2, No. 2
Almost Columbia, Triumphantly Washington
Prelude to statehood—the remarkable beginnings of Washington Territory.
By John McClelland, Jr.
View this article

COLUMBIA: Fall 1988; Vol. 2, No. 3
The Long Wait for Statehood
Why it took Washington 36 years and Idaho 26 years to achieve their goals.
By Keith A. Murray
View this article

COLUMBIA: Winter 1988-89; Vol. 2, No. 4
Statehood for Washington
Politics, railroads and resources influenced the struggle.
By Merle Wells
View this article

COLUMBIA: Summer 1989; Vol. 3, No. 2
The Washington State Centennial Hall of Honor
One hundred Washingtonians, living in Washington during the period November 11, 1889 through November 11, 1989, are honored for their achievements.
By Merle Wells
View this article

Washington History Websites

The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed
Dr. Quintard Taylor of the University of Washington has put together a comprehensive collection of history resources, including African American History in the West.

Columbia Magazine Online
Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History, a publication of the Washington State Historical Society has been around for more than 15 years. The online version contains many recently published articles, all on the history of Washington and the Northwest, and some from the earliest editions as well.

Washington State Oral History Program
The Oral History Program records, transcribes and publishes the recollections of legislators, state officials and citizens who have shaped Washington’s political history.

Secretary of State - Washington History
The Office of the Secretary of State has put up a wonderful website on Washington history. This site has searchable historic records databases, photographs, a Territorial timeline, historic maps, and even classic Washington publications. The link above gets you to the portal page, the links below will take you right to the various subsites. Visit each one!

     Classics in Washington History
     Historical Newspapers in Washington
     Cities, Counties & Corporations
     Historical Maps
     World War I: Soldiers Remembered
     Territorial Timeline
     Washington State Constitution
     Historical Records Search

HistoryLink
History Link's focus is primarily on the history of Seattle and King County, but other information related to the history of Washington Territory/State is also included. Teachers will find links to curriculum and lesson plans, and students visit the Frequently Asked Questions and [better still] Their Answers.

Access Washington - Just for Kids
A visit to this site reveals a multitude of helpful references including Washington State Facts, State Symbols, FirstGov for Kids, Courts for Kids, Create Your Own Newspaper, and the Washington State Coloring Book. Even if you don't have an assignment due, you should check out this site!

Governors of Washington State
A terrific searchable database of all the past (and present) governors of Washington, both the territory and the state. The user can browse a complete listing, complete with one or more photos of the governor, and catalog information about the photo. Need a picture of Fayette McMullen, Eugene Saloman, or Dixy Lee Ray? This is the place to go!

Washington State Library
The Washington State Library, established in 1853, is the repository of many books and records pertaining to the history of our state. The Washington History section includes searchable historic records, a Territorial Timeline, historical publication and maps, and much, much more.

Washington State Archives
The State Archives restores and protects historical documents pertaining to Washington state. At this site you can search for your ancestors, view photographs, read about our state flag and the origins of our state seal.

Tacoma Public Library
The Tacoma Public Library has done a fantastic job of making historic photos and documents accessible via the web. Check out the Northwest Room for several useful databases including Unsettling Events - tales of shanghaiing, mysterious deaths, earthquakes, murders, riots and other panic-inducing events.

Seattle Public Library
If you have a Seattle Library card, there are many helpful databases available at this website to help you complete your paper. Even without a card, there are a number of free databases that can be searched from home as you research your topic.

Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest - University of Washington
A great place for teachers to visit, the Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest offers up curriculum materials, as well as articles from back issues of the Pacific Northwest Quarterly. The site also contains changing online exhibits from special collections, which at this writing had covered the topic of Japanese American Internment, and the Klondike Gold Rush.

2001 Washington State Databook
Statistical information about Washington State from population to sales tax rates, criminal justice to transportation, and more.

Ask Dr. Universe
The world's most curious cat answers all sorts of questions in a colorful, fun format. Brought to you by Washington State University. Very cool...

Gold Klondike!
Reporter Ross Anderson travels by ferry, by foot, and by kayak, taking with him an historical "companion", the late Mont Hawthorne, a Klondiker who made the same trip in 1897-1898. Visit this site for historic photos, maps, even sounds relating to the Klondike Gold Rush.

General History Websites

The Internet Public Library
This site is run by the Internet Public Library, a highly regarded non-profit group, whose staff evaluates web sites and organizes them into subject categories. Students can search in the History section by Region, Era, Topic and Documents and Sources. Although not specific to Washington state, this is a terrific tool for student researchers.