Washington
As part of the vast Oregon Country, Washington territory was visited by Spanish, American, and British explorers Bruno Heceta for Spain in 1775, the American Capt. Robert Gray in 1792, and Capt. George Vancouver for Britain in 1792–1794. Lewis and Clark explored the Columbia River region and coastal areas for the U.S. in 1805–1806.
Became a state Nov. 11, 1889 (42nd).