TUMWATER, WASHINGTON

Nestled at the southern tip of Puget Sound, Tumwater holds the distinction as Washington's first permanent American settlement north of the Columbia River. Originally known as New Market, this historic town was founded in 1845 by pioneers like Michael T. Simmons and George Bush, drawn by the powerful Deschutes River Falls. Long before, this land was cherished by Indigenous peoples, including the Nisqually and Squaxin tribes, who thrived around its "strong water." The falls became a cornerstone for early industry, powering sawmills and gristmills, and by 1863, the town embraced its Chinook Jargon name, "Tumwater," meaning "waterfall." From its pioneering spirit to its industrial growth, Tumwater's foundational role in the Pacific Northwest is beautifully preserved in historical photographs, each capturing a piece of its enduring legacy.