History
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Thurston County was named for Samuel E. Thurston, the first Delegate to Congress from Oregon Territory, one year before Washington Territory was carved out of “North Oregon.” It was the traditional home of the Nisqually, Squaxin Island, and Upper Chehalis American Indian people. Thurston County stands at the southern tip of Puget Sound, between the timbered Black Hills and the wild Nisqually River. At its heart lies one of Washington’s most intriguing geological riddles: the mysterious hillocks of Mima Prairie known as the Mima Mounds. In pioneer days, Thurston County marked the northernmost end of the Oregon Trail. Today it is known as the home of Washington’s stately capitol, St. Martin’s College (1895), and the Evergreen State College (1967).
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Olympia, Washington · United States
