Olympia, Washington
was home to Native Americans who called the land Black Bear Place. The first
settlers came in the 1840s. They gave their lumber and mill town the name
Smithfield. Charles Wikes led the United States Exploring Expedition. He named
Budd Inlet after Thomas A. Budd. Levi Lathorp and Ednund Silver were among the
first American settlers.Peter Puget is accredited with being the first explorer
of Budd Inlet.
The town was
renamed after the Olympic Mountains. Olympia houses 4 state parks. In 1971,
Evergreen State College was built. Because of the college, artists and musicians
are attracted to the area. Olympia is an industrial, shipping and commercial
city. The Olympia Brewery and Fort Lewis Military Reservation help assist the
city’s economy. The United States Olympic torch was carried through Olympia in
1996.
Olympia, Washington
celebrates the Polar Swim, Vietnamese New Year’s, Art Burst, Art Walk,
Procession of the Species, Wooden Boat Fair, Super Saturday and Lake Fair. The
Olympians enjoy Pet Parade, Harbor Days, Yelm Octoberfest and Christmas in the
Park.
