Granted statehood in 1889, Washington was named in honor of George Washington; it is the only U.S. state named after a president. The state’s coastal location and excellent harbors have contributed to its role as a leader in trade with Alaska, Canada and countries of the Pacific Rim. The majestic Mount Rainier soars above Seattle and is the highest peak in the continental United States. Another Washington landmark, Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in U.S. history. The Evergreen State is the nation’s leading producer of apples and is the home of the coffee chain Starbucks. Famous Washingtonians include musician Jimi Hendrix, entertainer Bing Crosby and computer pioneer Bill Gates.
Washington's geography is diverse, with four distinct regions: the Pacific Coastline, Cascade Mountains, Puget Sound Lowlands, and Eastern Washington. The Pacific Coastline stretches for over 150 miles along the state's western edge and features numerous beaches, cliffs, and rocky shorelines. This region experiences mild temperatures throughout the year due to its proximity to the ocean.
The Cascade Mountains run north-south through central Washington and are part of a more extensive mountain range extending from British Columbia to California. This region boasts numerous peaks over 10,000 feet tall, including Mount Rainier, which stands at 14,411 feet, making it one of the tallest mountains in North America.
The Puget Sound Lowlands are located in western Washington between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. This region includes Seattle and Tacoma metropolitan areas and many other smaller cities. The lowlands have gentle slopes covered in forests with several rivers flowing into Puget Sound.
