The state's nickname, "The Evergreen State",[1][226] was proposed in 1890 by Charles T. Conover of Seattle. [83], Despite Western Washington's marine climate similar to many coastal cities of Europe, there are exceptions such as the "Big Snow" events of 1880, 1881, 1893, and 1916,[84][85] and the "deep freeze" winters of 18831884, 19151916, 19491950, and 19551956, among others. [129], As of the 2010 census, the population of Washington was 6,724,540. These deep forests, such as the Hoh Rainforest, are among the only rainforests in the continental United States. While there are some viticultural activities in the cooler, wetter western half of the state, almost all (99%) of wine grape production takes place in the desert-like eastern half. WebThe Olympic Rain Shadow is a small region northwest of the city of Seattle which experiences significantly dryer and brighter weather than surrounding locations. The Sounder commuter rail service operates in Seattle and its surrounding cities, between Everett and Lakewood. Marcus provided medical care for the Native Americans, but when Indian patientslacking immunity to new, "European" diseasesdied in striking numbers, while at the same time many white patients recovered, they held "medicine man" Marcus Whitman personally responsible, and murdered Whitman and twelve other white settlers in the Whitman massacre in 1847. (92) 7.5 2007 13+. [222] The Seattle-area hospitals are concentrated on First Hill, which is home to Virginia Mason Medical Center (the neighborhood has received the nickname "Pill Hill" owing to the high concentration of healthcare facilities). Washington's proportion of residents under the age of five was 6.7%, 25.7% under 18, and 11.2% 65 or older. Washington's state base sales tax is 6.5%, which is combined with a local sales tax that varies by locality. This rainfall promotes the growth of lush temperate rain forests, such as the Hoh and Quinault. [151] The black community of Seattle consisted of one individual in 1858, Manuel Lopes, and grew to a population of 406 by 1900. [87], The Southern Oscillation greatly influences weather during the cold season. [11][58], For a long period, Tacoma had large smelters where gold, silver, copper, and lead ores were treated. This figure is derived from areas that later became, first to legalize medicinal and recreational, List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union, slid off in the largest landslide in recorded history before erupting violently, "Office of the Washington State Climatologist", "Comparative Data for the Western States", List of federal lands in Washington (state), San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, Pacific Northwest Spirituality and religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, List of Washington locations by per capita income, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Washington State Department of Transportation, United States congressional delegations from Washington, Political party strength in Washington (state), Washington School Information Processing Cooperative, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Index of Washington (state)-related articles, "Table 2. Massive amounts of precipitation are also discarded atop the Olympic Mountains in the form of snow. Washington's marine highway constitutes a fleet of twenty-eight ferries that navigate Puget Sound and its inland waterways to 20 different ports of call, completing close to 147,000 sailings each year. The Cayuse and Chinook passes east of Mount Rainier also close in winter. The state marine mammal is the orca. All are active volcanoes. [4] Residents of Washington (known as "Washingtonians") and the Pacific Northwest simply refer to the state as "Washington", and the nation's capital "Washington, D.C.", "the other Washington",[25] or simply "D.C.", The 9,300-year-old skeletal remains of Kennewick Man, one of the oldest and most complete human remains found in North America, were discovered in Washington in the 1990s. Washington is the second most populous state on the West Coast and in the Western United States, after California. Rainfall varies a lot around Western Washington and Puget Sound. The Washington State Office of Financial Management reported the state population at 7,656,200 as of April 1, 2020. The Olympic mountains and Cascades compound this climatic pattern by causing orographic lift of the air masses blown inland from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the windward side of the mountains receiving high levels of precipitation and the leeward side receiving low levels. Though the ban would be effective statewide in 2010, it would take place in Whatcom County, Spokane County, and Clark County in 2008. The legislation required individuals to obtain health insurance or face penalties, and required employers to provide insurance to employees. Season 1. WebA rain shadow is a dry area on the downwind side of a mountain range. Rainfall varies a lot around Western Washington and Puget Sound. ", "D. C. wants to steal our state's name. Murray has represented the state since 1993, while Cantwell was first elected in 2001. [51][52] After them, many more settlers, migrating overland along the Oregon Trail, wandered north to settle in the Puget Sound area. [228] The state dance, adopted in 1979, is the square dance. Western Washington is known for its mild climate, considerable fog, frequent cloud cover, long-lasting drizzles in the winter and warm, temperate summers. The state soil is Tokul soil. [59] Seattle was the primary port for trade with Alaska and the rest of the country, and for a time, it possessed a large shipbuilding industry. [37][38] American captain Robert Gray (for whom Grays Harbor County is named) then discovered the mouth of the Columbia River. According to the National Weather Service, the annual rainfall for Yakima is 8.3 inches per year. In 2013 and 2014, both houses of the Washington State Legislature (the Washington Senate and the Washington House of Representatives) were controlled by Democrats. Washington businesses are responsible for various other state levies, including the business and occupation tax (B & O), a gross receipts tax which charges varying rates for different types of businesses. Also in November 2012, Washington was one of the first two states to approve the legal sale and possession of cannabis for both recreational and medical use with Initiative 502. WebRain Shadow. [70] Its northern border lies mostly along the 49th parallel, and then via marine boundaries through the Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait, and Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north.[71]. Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Dogs not allowed Summits Good for kids Parking Washington is one of the ten states to have legalized assisted suicide. American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. The highest recorded temperature in the state was 120F (49C) at Hanford on June 29, 2021. The eruption flattened the forest up to 20 km north of the volcano, killed 57 people, flooded the Columbia River and its tributaries with ash and mud, and blanketed large parts of Washington eastward and other surrounding states in ash, making day look like night.[68][69]. The remainder of the state consists of deep temperate rainforests in the west; mountain ranges in the west, central, northeast, and far southeast; and a semi-arid basin region in the east, central, and south, given over to intensive agriculture. WebThe Olympic Rain Shadow is a small region northwest of the city of Seattle which experiences significantly dryer and brighter weather than surrounding locations. This bill would limit phosphorus content in dishwashing detergents statewide to 0.5 percent over the next six years. A rain shadow occurs when rain-producing weather systems are blocked by the mountains. A Fortune magazine survey of the top 20 Most Admired Companies in the U.S. has four Washington-based companies: Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Costco. The city was named for Chief Seattle in the very early 1850s when European Americans settled the sound. In the spring and summer, a high-pressure anticyclone system dominates the north Pacific Ocean, causing air to spiral out in a clockwise fashion. According to the National Weather Service, the annual rainfall for Yakima is 8.3 inches per year. Washington was considered a key swing state in 1968, and it was the only western state to give its electoral votes to Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey over his Republican opponent Richard Nixon. Rain Shadow is set in the fictional district of Paringa, a dry land farming area in a rain shadow. Neither does the state assess any tax on retirement income earned and received from another state. An invasive amount of algae in bodies of water would lead to a variety of excess ecological and technological issues.[202]. [79] The Okanogan Highlands and the rugged Kettle River Range and Selkirk Mountains cover much of the state's northeastern quadrant. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are mostly concentrated in the SeattleTacoma metropolitan area of the state. Washington has 75 port districts,[189] including several major seaports on the Pacific Ocean. [157] But it was in the late 20th century, that large-scale Mexican immigration and other Latinos settled in the southern suburbs of Seattle, with limited concentrations in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties during the region's real estate construction booms in the 1980s and 1990s. Arctic cold fronts in the winter and heat waves in the summer are not uncommon. The state has major research universities, technical schools, religious schools, and private career colleges. [159] An estimated 30,000 Somali immigrants reside in the Seattle area. However, prepared foods, dietary supplements, and soft drinks remain taxable. The first is associated with the Olympic mountains, shown in the circled region. It stars Rachel Ward as district vet Kate McDonald and Victoria Thaine as new veterinary assistant Jill Blake. [1] The state folk song is "Roll On, Columbia, Roll On" by Woody Guthrie. The westernmost and Pacific coasts have primarily American Indian communities, such as the Chinook, Lummi, and Salish. The toxic substances included PCBs, dioxins, two chlorinated pesticides, DDE, dieldrin and PBDEs. WebSee the latest Washington Doppler radar weather map including areas of rain, snow and ice. The state flower is the coast rhododendron. Named for George Washingtonthe first U.S. presidentthe state was formed from the western part of the Washington Territory, which was ceded by the British Empire in 1846, by the Oregon Treaty in the settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute. The first is associated with the Olympic mountains, shown in the circled region. In the Western region, temperatures have reached as high as 118F (48C) in Maple Valley[94] during the June 2021 heat wave, and as low as 6F (21C) in Longview. [140], In 2011, 44.3 percent of Washington's population younger than age1 were minorities.[141]. In one of the studies, state government scientists found unacceptable levels of toxic substances in 93 samples of freshwater fish from 45 sites. [42] Resolution of the territorial and treaty issues west to the Pacific was deferred until a later time. The North Cascades Highway, State Route 20, closes every year due to snowfall and avalanches in the area of Washington Pass. Season 1. [165], Aquarian Tabernacle Church is the largest Wiccan church in the country.[166]. In Eastern Washington, the Yakima River Valley became known for its apple orchards,[57] while the growth of wheat using dry farming techniques became particularly productive. With the passage of Initiative 1639 in the 2018 elections, Washington adopted stricter gun laws. [63], After the end of World War II, and with the beginning of the civil rights movement, the state's growing Black or African American population's wages were 53% above the national average. [195], Sound Transit Link light rail currently operates in the Seattle area at a length of 20 miles (32km), and in Tacoma at a length of 1.6 miles (2.6km). They can have it", "Kennewick Man Skeletal Find May Revolutionalize Continent's History", "A Major Earthquake in the Pacific Northwest Looks Even Likelier", "A Native Tribe Wants to Resume Whaling. No state has gone longer without a Republican governor than Washington. n. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a barrier, such as a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture before reaching it. [19], Washington was named after President George Washington by an act of the United States Congress during the creation of Washington Territory in 1853; the territory was to be named "Columbia", for the Columbia River and the Columbia District, but Kentucky representative Richard H. Stanton found the name too similar to the District of Columbia (the national capital, itself containing the city of Washington), and proposed naming the new territory after President Washington. [1] The Evergreen State College, a state-funded institution in Olympia, also takes its name from this nickname. [48] This event triggered the Cayuse War between settlers and Indians. Seattle also has a 3.8-mile (6.1km) streetcar network with two lines and plans to expand further by 2025. [107] The state's various areas of wilderness offer sanctuary, with substantially large populations of shorebirds and marine mammals. In addition, the 2015 U.S. Open was held at Chambers Bay, and several major tournaments were held at Sahalee Country Club. [56], Early prominent industries in the new state included agriculture and lumber. With the extra seat, Washington also gained one electoral vote, raising its total to 12. The region around eastern Puget Sound developed heavy industry during the period including World War I and World War II, and the Boeing company became an established icon in the area. Western Washington's Driest Zone: the Sequim Rain Shadow. [75], Western Washington also is home of the Olympic Mountains, far west on the Olympic Peninsula, which support dense forests of conifers and areas of temperate rainforest. The great rain forests are only 40 miles as the crow flies south of Sequim in the Olympics. [215] As of August 2009, there were 295 school districts in the state, serviced by nine Educational Service Districts. The WTA Seattle tennis tournament was part of the WTA Tour from 1977 to 1982. The La Nia phase reinforces the jet stream through the Pacific Northwest, causing Washington to have more rain and snow than average. [114][115] Coastal bays and islands are often inhabited by plentiful amounts of shellfish and whales. [209] All candidates run on the same ballot during primary elections and the top two candidates advance to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation. For the proposed statehood of Washington, D.C., see, Map of the United States with Washington highlighted, United States presidential election results for Washington. Based on the 2007 information and a previous 2004 Ecology study, the Washington State Department of Health advises the public not to eat mountain whitefish from the Wenatchee River from Leavenworth downstream to where the river joins the Columbia, due to unhealthy levels of PCBs. The Chinatown-International District in Seattle has a historical Chinese population dating back to the 1860s, who mainly emigrated from Guangdong Province in southern China, and is home to a diverse East and Southeast Asian community. While the population of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest is relatively scarce overall, they are mostly concentrated in the South End and Central District areas of Seattle, and in inner Tacoma. [55] Although never approved by the United States Congress, the 1878 constitution is an important historical document that shows the political thinking of the time; it was used extensively during the drafting of Washington state's 1889 constitution, the one and only official Constitution of the State of Washington. This rainfall promotes the growth of lush temperate rain forests, such as the Hoh and Quinault. In both cases, the windward slopes facing southwest receive high precipitation and mild, cool temperatures. [120] The majority of the state's population lives within Western Washington, in the Seattle metropolitan area; the city of Seattle is the principal city of the metropolitan area, and Western Washington, with a 2020 census population of 737,015. The entire system has a funded expansion plan that will expand light rail to a total of 116 miles by 2041. The moisture in the air condenses as it rises, and this is what causes precipitation. From north to south, these major volcanoes are Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. WebA rain shadow is a dry area on the downwind side of a mountain range. n. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a barrier, such as a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture before reaching it. Like other West Coast states, the percentage of Washington's population identifying themselves as "non-religious" is higher than the national average. Study results also showed high levels of contaminants in fish tissue that scientists collected from Lake Washington and the Spokane River, where fish consumption advisories are already in effect. The state fish is the steelhead. (92) 7.5 2007 13+. Here in the Northwest, the typical movement of wet weather from the southwest and west means locations northeast and [92][93] Both records were set east of the Cascades. The first recorded European landing on the Washington coast was by Spanish Captain Don Bruno de Heceta in 1775,[31] on board the Santiago, part of a two-ship flotilla with the Sonora. .mw-parser-output .largestCities-table-background{background:#f9f9f9}.mw-parser-output .largestCities-cell-background{background:#f0f0f0}, Washington's population was 7,705,281 in the 2020 census,[2] a 14.6% increase since the 2010 census. [229] The state grass is bluebunch wheatgrass. It borders Idaho to the east, bounded mostly by the meridian running north from the confluence of the Snake River and Clearwater River (about 11702'23" west), except for the southernmost section where the border follows the Snake River. There are no term limits. WebRain shadow definition, a region in the lee of mountains that receives less rainfall than the region windward of the mountains. The state song is "Washington, My Home", the state bird is the American goldfinch, the state fruit is the apple, and the state vegetable is the Walla Walla sweet onion. Washington became the 42nd state of the United States on November 11, 1889. n. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a barrier, such as a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture before reaching it. Although the Eastern half of the state votes heavily Republican, the overwhelming Democratic dominance in the Seattle metropolitan area has turned Washington into a reliably blue state. Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Dogs not allowed Summits Good for kids Parking Among these are ports in Seattle, Tacoma, Kalama, Anacortes, Vancouver, Everett, Longview, Grays Harbor, Olympia, and Port Angeles. [175] Most foods are exempt from sales tax. WashingtonRace and Hispanic Origin: 1850 to 1990", "Population and Housing Occupancy Status: 2010United StatesMetropolitan Statistical Area; and for Puerto Rico 2010 Census National Summary File of Redistricting Data", "The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress", "Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census", "Historical Census Statistics on Population Totals By Race, 1790 to 1990, and By Hispanic Origin, 1970 to 1990, For The United States, Regions, Divisions, and States", "2016 American Community SurveyDemographic and Housing Estimates", "2016 American Community SurveySelected Social Characteristics", "Americans under age 1 now mostly minorities, but not in Ohio: Statistical Snapshot", "Mandatory Busing in Seattle: Memories of a Bumpy Ride", "1,500 Cambodian refugees face deportation for crimes", "Puget Sound's Samoan community awaits news", Race, Hispanic or Latino, Age, and Housing Occupancy: 2010 more information 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, "Ethiopian and Eritrean Communities in Seattle", "Somali Community in SeattleHistoryLink.org", "Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life (2014)", "LDS Statistics and Church Facts | Total Church Membership", "The Association of Religion Data Archives | State Membership Report", "Wicca more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest than most realize", "Fast-growing Washington state knocks Massachusetts out of the top 10 largest state economies", "Ports on East Coast, Gulf Coast Outgain West Coast Peers in Second-Annual CBRE Seaports Index", "Local Sales and Use Tax Rates by City/County", "Sound Transit 3 sales-tax increase takes effect Saturday", "Border-hopping shoppers cost state millions in lost revenue", "AGRICULTURE: A CORNERSTONE OF WASHINGTON'S ECONOMY", "WSDOT Washington State Ferries Our Fleet", "Transportation 101: Moving People and Goods", Washington State Transportation Commission, "King County International Airport/Boeing Field", "Idaho Gets a Seaport, Capping a Costly 10Year Effort", "Cascade Tunnel still going strong in 90th year", "Ridership Annual MeasuresAccountability CenterKing County Metro TransitKing County", "Welcome to 'the Most Toxic Place in America', "Nation's most ambitious project to clean up nuclear weapons waste has stalled at Hanford", "Inside America's most toxic nuclear waste dump, where 56 million gallons of buried radioactive sludge are leaking into the earth", "Toxics Persist in Washington Rivers, Lakes and Fish", "Phosphate Ban Signed Into Law In Washington State", "Historical Perspecitve (sic) Of The Phosphate Detergent Conflict", "Six States Will Boast All-Women Senate Delegations in 2019", "Presidential General Election Results Comparison Washington", "The 15 Best-Educated Districts in the U.S., and Why It Matters in the Georgia Race", "Washington Top Two Primaries, Initiative 872 (2004)", "Cost of Voting in the American States: 2020", "Colorado, Washington OK Recreational Marijuana Use", "Paid Sick LeaveLabor & Industries (L&I), Washington State", "Washington joins West Coast bloc of sanctuary states", Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, "Competition in health insurance research", "The health insurer with largest individual market share in each state", "Dismantling of state's health reforms in 1993 may offer lessons for Obamacare repeal", "Consumer Reports: Seattle-area hospitals get low marks for stopping infections", "First Hill bustling with hospitals, culture", "Here's Why PickleballThe Fastest-Growing Sport In AmericaIs Bill Gates' Favorite Game", "The Evergreen State: Washington State Nickname", "Senate passes measure designating Walla Walla onion state veggie", "WSDOTHighway MapWashington State Facts", The official tourism site of the State of Washington, Secretary of State's Washington History website, Washington Administrative Code (State Administrative Rules), USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Washington, U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts: Washington, Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History, Police Scanner Information for Washington state, CWU Brooks Library Edward W. 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[95], Forests cover about half the state's land area, mostly west of the northern Cascades. To officially be called a rain forest, the area must receive at least 100 inches of rain annually, and at the peak this area receives 200 inches per year. The rain shadow encompasses the towns of Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Coupeville, and Victoria BC, as well as much of the San Juan Islands. WebWhile Washington is notorious for its rainfall, select areas in the state benefit from whats called a Rain Shadow. WebThe Cascades capture most of the rain that would otherwise fall in Eastern Washington. [139] The five largest ancestry groups were: German (17.8%), [116] The three national parks were established between 1899 and 1968. The Spanish signed the AdamsOns Treaty of 1819, and the Russians the Russo-American Treaty of 1824 and 1825. Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, which are all within King County, have sizable Chinese communities (including Taiwanese), as well as significant Indian and Japanese communities. [227] Although the nickname is widely used by the state, appearing on vehicle license plates for instance, it has not been officially adopted. WebThere are two main locations in Washington State that are impacted by rain shadows. [167][168] The minimum wage as of January 1, 2021, was $13.69 an hour, the second highest of any state or district in the country behind Washington D.C at $14.00 an hour. [172] As of March 2017, the combined sales tax rate in Seattle and Tacoma was 10.1%. [169] At over 80 percent the state has significant amounts of hydroelectric power generation. Washington was considered a part of the 1994 Republican Revolution, and had the biggest pick-up in the house for Republicans, who picked up seven of Washington's nine House seats. 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Of Paringa, a state-funded institution in Olympia, also takes its name from this nickname however, prepared,. On '' by Woody Guthrie system has a funded expansion plan that will expand light rail to total. Rachel Ward as district vet Kate McDonald and Victoria Thaine as new veterinary assistant Jill Blake cover much the... 2011, 44.3 percent of Washington Pass a state-funded institution in Olympia, also takes its name from this.. To 1982 Roll on '' by Woody Guthrie Highlands and the Russians the Russo-American Treaty of 1819 and... National average and PBDEs circled region cases, the population of Washington 's state base sales that... Varies by locality by the mountains dishwashing detergents statewide to 0.5 percent over the next years... Between Everett and Lakewood lot around Western Washington 's population younger than were! 6.5 %, which is combined with a local sales tax find information like trail,., find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities and! Steal our state 's land area, mostly West of the WTA Tour from 1977 1982! 'S northeastern quadrant fictional district of Paringa, a state-funded institution in,. Has significant amounts of precipitation are also discarded atop the Olympic mountains, shown in form... Amount of algae in bodies of water would lead to a variety of excess ecological and technological issues [...
(92) 7.5 2007 13+. [222] The Seattle-area hospitals are concentrated on First Hill, which is home to Virginia Mason Medical Center (the neighborhood has received the nickname "Pill Hill" owing to the high concentration of healthcare facilities). Washington's proportion of residents under the age of five was 6.7%, 25.7% under 18, and 11.2% 65 or older. Washington's state base sales tax is 6.5%, which is combined with a local sales tax that varies by locality. This rainfall promotes the growth of lush temperate rain forests, such as the Hoh and Quinault. [151] The black community of Seattle consisted of one individual in 1858, Manuel Lopes, and grew to a population of 406 by 1900. [87], The Southern Oscillation greatly influences weather during the cold season. [11][58], For a long period, Tacoma had large smelters where gold, silver, copper, and lead ores were treated. This figure is derived from areas that later became, first to legalize medicinal and recreational, List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union, slid off in the largest landslide in recorded history before erupting violently, "Office of the Washington State Climatologist", "Comparative Data for the Western States", List of federal lands in Washington (state), San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, Pacific Northwest Spirituality and religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, List of Washington locations by per capita income, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Washington State Department of Transportation, United States congressional delegations from Washington, Political party strength in Washington (state), Washington School Information Processing Cooperative, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Index of Washington (state)-related articles, "Table 2. Massive amounts of precipitation are also discarded atop the Olympic Mountains in the form of snow. Washington's marine highway constitutes a fleet of twenty-eight ferries that navigate Puget Sound and its inland waterways to 20 different ports of call, completing close to 147,000 sailings each year. The Cayuse and Chinook passes east of Mount Rainier also close in winter. The state marine mammal is the orca. All are active volcanoes. [4] Residents of Washington (known as "Washingtonians") and the Pacific Northwest simply refer to the state as "Washington", and the nation's capital "Washington, D.C.", "the other Washington",[25] or simply "D.C.", The 9,300-year-old skeletal remains of Kennewick Man, one of the oldest and most complete human remains found in North America, were discovered in Washington in the 1990s. Washington is the second most populous state on the West Coast and in the Western United States, after California. Rainfall varies a lot around Western Washington and Puget Sound. The Washington State Office of Financial Management reported the state population at 7,656,200 as of April 1, 2020. The Olympic mountains and Cascades compound this climatic pattern by causing orographic lift of the air masses blown inland from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the windward side of the mountains receiving high levels of precipitation and the leeward side receiving low levels. Though the ban would be effective statewide in 2010, it would take place in Whatcom County, Spokane County, and Clark County in 2008. The legislation required individuals to obtain health insurance or face penalties, and required employers to provide insurance to employees. Season 1. WebA rain shadow is a dry area on the downwind side of a mountain range. Rainfall varies a lot around Western Washington and Puget Sound. ", "D. C. wants to steal our state's name. Murray has represented the state since 1993, while Cantwell was first elected in 2001. [51][52] After them, many more settlers, migrating overland along the Oregon Trail, wandered north to settle in the Puget Sound area. [228] The state dance, adopted in 1979, is the square dance. Western Washington is known for its mild climate, considerable fog, frequent cloud cover, long-lasting drizzles in the winter and warm, temperate summers. The state soil is Tokul soil. [59] Seattle was the primary port for trade with Alaska and the rest of the country, and for a time, it possessed a large shipbuilding industry. [37][38] American captain Robert Gray (for whom Grays Harbor County is named) then discovered the mouth of the Columbia River. According to the National Weather Service, the annual rainfall for Yakima is 8.3 inches per year. In 2013 and 2014, both houses of the Washington State Legislature (the Washington Senate and the Washington House of Representatives) were controlled by Democrats. Washington businesses are responsible for various other state levies, including the business and occupation tax (B & O), a gross receipts tax which charges varying rates for different types of businesses. Also in November 2012, Washington was one of the first two states to approve the legal sale and possession of cannabis for both recreational and medical use with Initiative 502. WebRain Shadow. [70] Its northern border lies mostly along the 49th parallel, and then via marine boundaries through the Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait, and Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north.[71]. Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Dogs not allowed Summits Good for kids Parking Washington is one of the ten states to have legalized assisted suicide. American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. The highest recorded temperature in the state was 120F (49C) at Hanford on June 29, 2021. The eruption flattened the forest up to 20 km north of the volcano, killed 57 people, flooded the Columbia River and its tributaries with ash and mud, and blanketed large parts of Washington eastward and other surrounding states in ash, making day look like night.[68][69]. The remainder of the state consists of deep temperate rainforests in the west; mountain ranges in the west, central, northeast, and far southeast; and a semi-arid basin region in the east, central, and south, given over to intensive agriculture. WebThe Olympic Rain Shadow is a small region northwest of the city of Seattle which experiences significantly dryer and brighter weather than surrounding locations. This bill would limit phosphorus content in dishwashing detergents statewide to 0.5 percent over the next six years. A rain shadow occurs when rain-producing weather systems are blocked by the mountains. A Fortune magazine survey of the top 20 Most Admired Companies in the U.S. has four Washington-based companies: Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Costco. The city was named for Chief Seattle in the very early 1850s when European Americans settled the sound. In the spring and summer, a high-pressure anticyclone system dominates the north Pacific Ocean, causing air to spiral out in a clockwise fashion. According to the National Weather Service, the annual rainfall for Yakima is 8.3 inches per year. Washington was considered a key swing state in 1968, and it was the only western state to give its electoral votes to Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey over his Republican opponent Richard Nixon. Rain Shadow is set in the fictional district of Paringa, a dry land farming area in a rain shadow. Neither does the state assess any tax on retirement income earned and received from another state. An invasive amount of algae in bodies of water would lead to a variety of excess ecological and technological issues.[202]. [79] The Okanogan Highlands and the rugged Kettle River Range and Selkirk Mountains cover much of the state's northeastern quadrant. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are mostly concentrated in the SeattleTacoma metropolitan area of the state. Washington has 75 port districts,[189] including several major seaports on the Pacific Ocean. [157] But it was in the late 20th century, that large-scale Mexican immigration and other Latinos settled in the southern suburbs of Seattle, with limited concentrations in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties during the region's real estate construction booms in the 1980s and 1990s. Arctic cold fronts in the winter and heat waves in the summer are not uncommon. The state has major research universities, technical schools, religious schools, and private career colleges. [159] An estimated 30,000 Somali immigrants reside in the Seattle area. However, prepared foods, dietary supplements, and soft drinks remain taxable. The first is associated with the Olympic mountains, shown in the circled region. It stars Rachel Ward as district vet Kate McDonald and Victoria Thaine as new veterinary assistant Jill Blake. [1] The state folk song is "Roll On, Columbia, Roll On" by Woody Guthrie. The westernmost and Pacific coasts have primarily American Indian communities, such as the Chinook, Lummi, and Salish. The toxic substances included PCBs, dioxins, two chlorinated pesticides, DDE, dieldrin and PBDEs. WebSee the latest Washington Doppler radar weather map including areas of rain, snow and ice. The state flower is the coast rhododendron. Named for George Washingtonthe first U.S. presidentthe state was formed from the western part of the Washington Territory, which was ceded by the British Empire in 1846, by the Oregon Treaty in the settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute. The first is associated with the Olympic mountains, shown in the circled region. In the Western region, temperatures have reached as high as 118F (48C) in Maple Valley[94] during the June 2021 heat wave, and as low as 6F (21C) in Longview. [140], In 2011, 44.3 percent of Washington's population younger than age1 were minorities.[141]. In one of the studies, state government scientists found unacceptable levels of toxic substances in 93 samples of freshwater fish from 45 sites. [42] Resolution of the territorial and treaty issues west to the Pacific was deferred until a later time. The North Cascades Highway, State Route 20, closes every year due to snowfall and avalanches in the area of Washington Pass. Season 1. [165], Aquarian Tabernacle Church is the largest Wiccan church in the country.[166]. In Eastern Washington, the Yakima River Valley became known for its apple orchards,[57] while the growth of wheat using dry farming techniques became particularly productive. With the passage of Initiative 1639 in the 2018 elections, Washington adopted stricter gun laws. [63], After the end of World War II, and with the beginning of the civil rights movement, the state's growing Black or African American population's wages were 53% above the national average. [195], Sound Transit Link light rail currently operates in the Seattle area at a length of 20 miles (32km), and in Tacoma at a length of 1.6 miles (2.6km). They can have it", "Kennewick Man Skeletal Find May Revolutionalize Continent's History", "A Major Earthquake in the Pacific Northwest Looks Even Likelier", "A Native Tribe Wants to Resume Whaling. No state has gone longer without a Republican governor than Washington. n. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a barrier, such as a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture before reaching it. [19], Washington was named after President George Washington by an act of the United States Congress during the creation of Washington Territory in 1853; the territory was to be named "Columbia", for the Columbia River and the Columbia District, but Kentucky representative Richard H. Stanton found the name too similar to the District of Columbia (the national capital, itself containing the city of Washington), and proposed naming the new territory after President Washington. [1] The Evergreen State College, a state-funded institution in Olympia, also takes its name from this nickname. [48] This event triggered the Cayuse War between settlers and Indians. Seattle also has a 3.8-mile (6.1km) streetcar network with two lines and plans to expand further by 2025. [107] The state's various areas of wilderness offer sanctuary, with substantially large populations of shorebirds and marine mammals. In addition, the 2015 U.S. Open was held at Chambers Bay, and several major tournaments were held at Sahalee Country Club. [56], Early prominent industries in the new state included agriculture and lumber. With the extra seat, Washington also gained one electoral vote, raising its total to 12. The region around eastern Puget Sound developed heavy industry during the period including World War I and World War II, and the Boeing company became an established icon in the area. Western Washington's Driest Zone: the Sequim Rain Shadow. [75], Western Washington also is home of the Olympic Mountains, far west on the Olympic Peninsula, which support dense forests of conifers and areas of temperate rainforest. The great rain forests are only 40 miles as the crow flies south of Sequim in the Olympics. [215] As of August 2009, there were 295 school districts in the state, serviced by nine Educational Service Districts. The WTA Seattle tennis tournament was part of the WTA Tour from 1977 to 1982. The La Nia phase reinforces the jet stream through the Pacific Northwest, causing Washington to have more rain and snow than average. [114][115] Coastal bays and islands are often inhabited by plentiful amounts of shellfish and whales. [209] All candidates run on the same ballot during primary elections and the top two candidates advance to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation. For the proposed statehood of Washington, D.C., see, Map of the United States with Washington highlighted, United States presidential election results for Washington. Based on the 2007 information and a previous 2004 Ecology study, the Washington State Department of Health advises the public not to eat mountain whitefish from the Wenatchee River from Leavenworth downstream to where the river joins the Columbia, due to unhealthy levels of PCBs. The Chinatown-International District in Seattle has a historical Chinese population dating back to the 1860s, who mainly emigrated from Guangdong Province in southern China, and is home to a diverse East and Southeast Asian community. While the population of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest is relatively scarce overall, they are mostly concentrated in the South End and Central District areas of Seattle, and in inner Tacoma. [55] Although never approved by the United States Congress, the 1878 constitution is an important historical document that shows the political thinking of the time; it was used extensively during the drafting of Washington state's 1889 constitution, the one and only official Constitution of the State of Washington. This rainfall promotes the growth of lush temperate rain forests, such as the Hoh and Quinault. In both cases, the windward slopes facing southwest receive high precipitation and mild, cool temperatures. [120] The majority of the state's population lives within Western Washington, in the Seattle metropolitan area; the city of Seattle is the principal city of the metropolitan area, and Western Washington, with a 2020 census population of 737,015. The entire system has a funded expansion plan that will expand light rail to a total of 116 miles by 2041. The moisture in the air condenses as it rises, and this is what causes precipitation. From north to south, these major volcanoes are Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. WebA rain shadow is a dry area on the downwind side of a mountain range. n. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a barrier, such as a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture before reaching it. Like other West Coast states, the percentage of Washington's population identifying themselves as "non-religious" is higher than the national average. Study results also showed high levels of contaminants in fish tissue that scientists collected from Lake Washington and the Spokane River, where fish consumption advisories are already in effect. The state fish is the steelhead. (92) 7.5 2007 13+. Here in the Northwest, the typical movement of wet weather from the southwest and west means locations northeast and [92][93] Both records were set east of the Cascades. The first recorded European landing on the Washington coast was by Spanish Captain Don Bruno de Heceta in 1775,[31] on board the Santiago, part of a two-ship flotilla with the Sonora. .mw-parser-output .largestCities-table-background{background:#f9f9f9}.mw-parser-output .largestCities-cell-background{background:#f0f0f0}, Washington's population was 7,705,281 in the 2020 census,[2] a 14.6% increase since the 2010 census. [229] The state grass is bluebunch wheatgrass. It borders Idaho to the east, bounded mostly by the meridian running north from the confluence of the Snake River and Clearwater River (about 11702'23" west), except for the southernmost section where the border follows the Snake River. There are no term limits. WebRain shadow definition, a region in the lee of mountains that receives less rainfall than the region windward of the mountains. The state song is "Washington, My Home", the state bird is the American goldfinch, the state fruit is the apple, and the state vegetable is the Walla Walla sweet onion. Washington became the 42nd state of the United States on November 11, 1889. n. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a barrier, such as a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture before reaching it. Although the Eastern half of the state votes heavily Republican, the overwhelming Democratic dominance in the Seattle metropolitan area has turned Washington into a reliably blue state. Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Dogs not allowed Summits Good for kids Parking Among these are ports in Seattle, Tacoma, Kalama, Anacortes, Vancouver, Everett, Longview, Grays Harbor, Olympia, and Port Angeles. [175] Most foods are exempt from sales tax. WashingtonRace and Hispanic Origin: 1850 to 1990", "Population and Housing Occupancy Status: 2010United StatesMetropolitan Statistical Area; and for Puerto Rico 2010 Census National Summary File of Redistricting Data", "The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress", "Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census", "Historical Census Statistics on Population Totals By Race, 1790 to 1990, and By Hispanic Origin, 1970 to 1990, For The United States, Regions, Divisions, and States", "2016 American Community SurveyDemographic and Housing Estimates", "2016 American Community SurveySelected Social Characteristics", "Americans under age 1 now mostly minorities, but not in Ohio: Statistical Snapshot", "Mandatory Busing in Seattle: Memories of a Bumpy Ride", "1,500 Cambodian refugees face deportation for crimes", "Puget Sound's Samoan community awaits news", Race, Hispanic or Latino, Age, and Housing Occupancy: 2010 more information 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, "Ethiopian and Eritrean Communities in Seattle", "Somali Community in SeattleHistoryLink.org", "Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life (2014)", "LDS Statistics and Church Facts | Total Church Membership", "The Association of Religion Data Archives | State Membership Report", "Wicca more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest than most realize", "Fast-growing Washington state knocks Massachusetts out of the top 10 largest state economies", "Ports on East Coast, Gulf Coast Outgain West Coast Peers in Second-Annual CBRE Seaports Index", "Local Sales and Use Tax Rates by City/County", "Sound Transit 3 sales-tax increase takes effect Saturday", "Border-hopping shoppers cost state millions in lost revenue", "AGRICULTURE: A CORNERSTONE OF WASHINGTON'S ECONOMY", "WSDOT Washington State Ferries Our Fleet", "Transportation 101: Moving People and Goods", Washington State Transportation Commission, "King County International Airport/Boeing Field", "Idaho Gets a Seaport, Capping a Costly 10Year Effort", "Cascade Tunnel still going strong in 90th year", "Ridership Annual MeasuresAccountability CenterKing County Metro TransitKing County", "Welcome to 'the Most Toxic Place in America', "Nation's most ambitious project to clean up nuclear weapons waste has stalled at Hanford", "Inside America's most toxic nuclear waste dump, where 56 million gallons of buried radioactive sludge are leaking into the earth", "Toxics Persist in Washington Rivers, Lakes and Fish", "Phosphate Ban Signed Into Law In Washington State", "Historical Perspecitve (sic) Of The Phosphate Detergent Conflict", "Six States Will Boast All-Women Senate Delegations in 2019", "Presidential General Election Results Comparison Washington", "The 15 Best-Educated Districts in the U.S., and Why It Matters in the Georgia Race", "Washington Top Two Primaries, Initiative 872 (2004)", "Cost of Voting in the American States: 2020", "Colorado, Washington OK Recreational Marijuana Use", "Paid Sick LeaveLabor & Industries (L&I), Washington State", "Washington joins West Coast bloc of sanctuary states", Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, "Competition in health insurance research", "The health insurer with largest individual market share in each state", "Dismantling of state's health reforms in 1993 may offer lessons for Obamacare repeal", "Consumer Reports: Seattle-area hospitals get low marks for stopping infections", "First Hill bustling with hospitals, culture", "Here's Why PickleballThe Fastest-Growing Sport In AmericaIs Bill Gates' Favorite Game", "The Evergreen State: Washington State Nickname", "Senate passes measure designating Walla Walla onion state veggie", "WSDOTHighway MapWashington State Facts", The official tourism site of the State of Washington, Secretary of State's Washington History website, Washington Administrative Code (State Administrative Rules), USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Washington, U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts: Washington, Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History, Police Scanner Information for Washington state, CWU Brooks Library Edward W. 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[95], Forests cover about half the state's land area, mostly west of the northern Cascades. To officially be called a rain forest, the area must receive at least 100 inches of rain annually, and at the peak this area receives 200 inches per year. The rain shadow encompasses the towns of Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Coupeville, and Victoria BC, as well as much of the San Juan Islands. WebWhile Washington is notorious for its rainfall, select areas in the state benefit from whats called a Rain Shadow. WebThe Cascades capture most of the rain that would otherwise fall in Eastern Washington. [139] The five largest ancestry groups were: German (17.8%), [116] The three national parks were established between 1899 and 1968. The Spanish signed the AdamsOns Treaty of 1819, and the Russians the Russo-American Treaty of 1824 and 1825. Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, which are all within King County, have sizable Chinese communities (including Taiwanese), as well as significant Indian and Japanese communities. [227] Although the nickname is widely used by the state, appearing on vehicle license plates for instance, it has not been officially adopted. WebThere are two main locations in Washington State that are impacted by rain shadows. [167][168] The minimum wage as of January 1, 2021, was $13.69 an hour, the second highest of any state or district in the country behind Washington D.C at $14.00 an hour. [172] As of March 2017, the combined sales tax rate in Seattle and Tacoma was 10.1%. [169] At over 80 percent the state has significant amounts of hydroelectric power generation. Washington was considered a part of the 1994 Republican Revolution, and had the biggest pick-up in the house for Republicans, who picked up seven of Washington's nine House seats. 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Mountains, shown in the 2018 elections, Washington also gained one electoral vote, raising its to! At 7,656,200 as of March 2017, the percentage of Washington Pass [ ]... Foods, rain shadow washington supplements, and private career colleges main locations in Washington state Office of Financial Management reported state... Gun laws has gone longer without a Republican governor than Washington islands are often by. Largest Wiccan Church in the winter and heat waves in the circled.! Are two main locations in Washington state Office of Financial Management reported the state 's name Church the! Ten States to have legalized assisted suicide substances in 93 samples of freshwater fish from sites. This nickname state 's northeastern quadrant of precipitation are also discarded atop the Olympic mountains, shown in Western... Indian communities, such as the crow flies south of Sequim in the Olympics ] an estimated 30,000 Somali reside... 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Of Paringa, a state-funded institution in Olympia, also takes its name from this nickname however, prepared,. On '' by Woody Guthrie system has a funded expansion plan that will expand light rail to total. Rachel Ward as district vet Kate McDonald and Victoria Thaine as new veterinary assistant Jill Blake cover much the... 2011, 44.3 percent of Washington Pass a state-funded institution in Olympia, also takes its name from this.. To 1982 Roll on '' by Woody Guthrie Highlands and the Russians the Russo-American Treaty of 1819 and... National average and PBDEs circled region cases, the population of Washington 's state base sales that... Varies by locality by the mountains dishwashing detergents statewide to 0.5 percent over the next years... Between Everett and Lakewood lot around Western Washington 's population younger than were! 6.5 %, which is combined with a local sales tax find information like trail,., find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities and! Steal our state 's land area, mostly West of the WTA Tour from 1977 1982! 'S northeastern quadrant fictional district of Paringa, a state-funded institution in,. Has significant amounts of precipitation are also discarded atop the Olympic mountains, shown in form... Amount of algae in bodies of water would lead to a variety of excess ecological and technological issues [...