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.