From the unearthing of the remains of one of the oldest human skeletons ever discovered in North America to the state's influence on the industrial era, railroad and exploration, Washington has many places for history buffs on vacation to visit.
Plus, admitted to the Union in 1889, Washington is the only state named after a United States president.
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Washington State History Museum: Exhibits here are in-depth and "full of artifacts, ephemera, stories, and images that enrich your visitor experience." The Hall of Washington History is one attraction where, "Colorful, interactive exhibits and walk-through dioramas depict the natural setting, the lifestyle, and culture of the first inhabitants, exploration and settlement of the region, and the important people and milestone events" that have shaped the state of Washington.
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Museum of Flight: This museum contains important artifacts representing the evolution of flight and the first display of these artifacts was in 1965. Since then, the museum has grown and today it "exists to acquire, preserve, and exhibit historically significant air and space artifacts, which provide a foundation for scholarly research, and lifelong learning programs that inspire an interest in and understanding of science, technology, and the humanities."
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San Juan Island Museum of History and Industry: A quick and scenic ferry ride to the San Juan Islands provides travelers the opportunity to visit the island's shops, galleries and museums including The Whale Museum. For history buffs, the San Juan Museum of History allows visitors to "to step back in time – to 1894, when life on the island revolved around harvest times and ocean currents, rather than tourist seasons. As you walk the grounds and explore the restored James King farm house, the original county jail, and the Scribner log cabin, you begin to peel back the layers of the rich history and blend of cultures this island has hosted over the centuries."
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The Capitol Museum: "The State Capital Museum and Outreach Center is located in the historic Lord Mansion, seven blocks south of the capital campus in Olympia." It includes exhibits on regional Native American history and includes programs from the Women's History Consortium, Heritage Resource Center, National History Day, and Traveling Exhibits Service. The museum offers lectures on historical events, many of which are moderated by panels of local historians. Travel tip: Check for museum closures and an updated calendar of lectures and discussions before visiting.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Park: History buffs can experience Fort Clatsop, a replica of "the winter encampment for the Corps of Discovery from December 1805 to March 1806." In addition, they can explore the Fort to Sea Trail, which "winds its way through the woods south of Fort Clatsop to Sunset Beach on the Pacific Ocean, covering land that once was home to the Clatsop Indians who helped the Corps." The park has both indoor and outdoor activities available that allow visitors to "explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage of the Native people. Unfold the dramatic stories of America's most famous explorers." Travel tip: Plan for at least a full day of activities in this area, as there are nearby places to visit that history buffs will not want to miss.
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