10 fun and interesting Washington facts

1. Named After a President

Washington is the only state in the United States to be named after a President, the first President of the United States, George Washington. This is a unique honor, as no other state has been named after a President. George Washington was a Founding Father of the United States and served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Constitution of the United States and was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States in 1789. Washington State is proud to bear the name of this great leader and patriot.

Also → The Founding Father's Vision for Washington, D.C.

2. Washington Makes History with 360-Degree Restaurant

In 1961, Seattle, Washington made history by becoming the first city in the United States to open a revolving restaurant. Located atop the iconic Space Needle, the restaurant offered diners a unique experience, with its 360-degree views of the city and its surrounding mountains and waterways. The restaurant quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it continues to be a popular spot for visitors to the city today.

Also → Philadelphia: The Birthplace of the United States

3. Everett, Washington - home to the world's largest building

Everett, Washington is home to the world's largest building, a Boeing assembly plant. Spanning an impressive 472 million cubic feet, the plant is a testament to the power of human engineering and ingenuity. It is the largest building in the world by volume, and is capable of producing up to three wide-body aircraft per day. The plant is a major employer in the area, providing jobs to thousands of people in the Everett area.

Also → George Washington: Unanimous President

4. Washington's Historic Gas Station Still Operates

Nestled in the small town of Zillah, Washington lies the oldest and still functioning gas station in the United States. Built in 1909, this historic landmark has been providing fuel to travelers for over a century. The station is a reminder of the past, with its original pumps and signage still intact. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to marvel at its unique architecture and to take a step back in time.

Also → Six Virginia Presidents

5. Bill Gates, richest man in US, from Medina

Bill Gates, the wealthiest man in the United States as of 2013, is a native of Medina, Washington. The Microsoft mogul was born and raised in the small city located just east of Seattle, and has since become one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. His success has made him a household name, and his hometown of Medina has become a symbol of the American Dream.

Also → Vancouver: Named for Captain George Vancouver

6. The Name You Won't Forget

Before Washington became a state, the area of land that now makes up the state was known as Columbia. However, when it was granted statehood, the name was changed to Washington to avoid confusion with The District of Columbia, which is located on the opposite side of the country. This decision was made to ensure that people would not mistakenly believe that the two places were the same.

Also → Oldest U.S. Tourist Attraction: Mt. Washington Auto-Road

7. Birthplace of Jimi Hendrix and Bing Crosby

Washington is the birthplace of two of the world's most renowned musicians: Jimi Hendrix, born in Seattle in 1942, and Bing Crosby, born in Tacoma in 1903. Both artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry, with Hendrix's iconic guitar riffs and Crosby's smooth crooning. Their influence can still be felt today, with Hendrix's music being covered by countless artists and Crosby's songs still being played on the radio.

Also → Oregon: A State of Diversity

8. Olympia Dairy Queen unveils soft-serve machine

The Olympia Dairy Queen in Washington was the first to introduce the revolutionary soft-serve ice cream machine to the public. This machine revolutionized the way ice cream was served, allowing for a much smoother and creamier texture than traditional hard-serve ice cream. The machine was a huge success, and soon other Dairy Queen locations across the country began to adopt the technology. Today, soft-serve ice cream is a staple of the Dairy Queen menu, and it all started in Washington.

Also → 34th President of the United States, Ike, was born on October 14, 1890

9. Starbucks: A Global Phenomenon

Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971, Starbucks has become one of the most recognizable coffee chains in the world. What started as a single store in the city's Pike Place Market has grown to over 30,000 locations in more than 80 countries. Starbucks has become a global phenomenon, offering a wide variety of coffee, tea, and other beverages, as well as food items, to customers around the world.

Also → Bing Crosby: The Man and His Music

10. The First Settlement

In 1846, the first settlement in Washington was established in what is now known as Tumwater. This settlement, named New Market, was the first of many to come in the state, and is now a part of the city of Tumwater. The city of Tumwater is located in Thurston County, and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Tumwater Falls Park, the Tumwater Historical Park, and the Tumwater Valley Golf Course.