"From time immemorial, people have walked on the land of the present-day Thurston County, Washington. Its waters provided sustenance and a way of life for Native inhabitants, and maritime explorers sought out its shores. Rich prairies attracted hearty pioneers who developed productive farms; its woods supplied a growing nation with timber products. At the center of the Thurston County story is the spirit of its Native heritage, enduring communities, and the capital of Washington State. Local authors have pooled their expertise to bring to life the history of this lovely capital county on Puget Sound"--Back cover

Essais, Essays, History, Indians of North America, Manners and customs, Politics and government, Thurston County (Wash.) History, Local, Washington (State) Thurston County, essays

Foreword / David L. Nicandri The original residents / Sandra A. Crowell Early encounters / Les Eldridge Settlement, steamers, and statehood / Les Eldridge Early days in Tumwater / Don Trosper Call of the prairies / Shanna Stevenson A new county and a new territory / Shanna Stevenson From settlements to cities / Shanna Stevenson The three R's / Shanna Stevenson The battle for the capital / Gerry Alexander Farms and fields / Shanna Stevenson Inlets of harvest and home / Shanna Stevenson The ebb and flow of communities / Shanna Stevenson Big trees, big business / James S. Hannum Rails and timber / James S. Hannum It's the water / Karen L. Johnson A turbulent age / Jennifer Crooks Facing the future / Drew Cooks Maps: cities and towns, other maps of Thurston County

"A project of the Thurston County Historic Commission under the direction of the Thurston County Commissioners."

"A project of the Thurston County Historic Commission under the direction of the Thurston County Commissioners."