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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.
Rival American and British settlers and
conflicting territorial claims threatened war in the early
1840s. However, in 1846 the Oregon Treaty set the boundary at
the 49th parallel and war was averted.
Washington is a leading lumber producer. Its
rugged surface is rich in stands of Douglas fir, hemlock,
ponderosa and white pine, spruce, larch, and cedar. The state
holds first place in apples, lentils, dry edible peas, hops,
pears, red raspberries, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries, and
ranks high in apricots, asparagus, grapes, peppermint oil, and
potatoes. Livestock and livestock products make important
contributions to total farm revenue and the commercial fishing
catch of salmon, halibut, and bottomfish makes a significant
contribution to the state's economy.
Manufacturing industries in Washington include
aircraft and missiles, shipbuilding and other transportation
equipment, lumber, food processing, metals and metal products,
chemicals, and machinery.
Washington has over 1,000 dams, including the
Grand Coulee, built for a variety of purposes including
irrigation, power, flood control, and water storage.
Among the major points of interest: Mt.
Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks. Mount St.
Helens, a peak in the Cascade Range, erupted in May 1980. Also
of interest are Whitman Mission and Fort Vancouver National
Historic Sites; and the Pacific Science Center and the Space
Needle, in Seattle. |
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