On November 11, 1889, Washington becomes the 42nd state of the United States of America when U.S. President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) issues a proclamation declaring that its "admission ... into t...
On November 18, 1889, one week after Washington's admission as a state, its new government is officially installed as Governor Elisha P. Ferry (1825-1895) and the other new state officers take the oat...
On November 19, 1889, Judge Isaac Lichtenberg (1845-1905) hears the first case to be tried in King County Superior Court — the divorce trial of Smith vs. Smith — in a makeshift two-story b...
On December 2, 1889, Dr. Thomas T. Minor (1844-1889) and two companions, G. Morris Haller and Lewis Cox, attempt to canoe 12 miles from Stanwood to Whidbey Island on a duck-hunting expedition. They ar...
On December 4, 1889, Walter N. Granger (1855-1930) and a group of St. Paul, Minnesota, investors organize the Yakima Land and Canal Company. Walter Granger is named president. The company uses some o...
In August 1890, Isaac W. Evans becomes the first African American appointed to the Seattle police force.
In 1890, the West Coast Improvement Company builds the second bridge, a railroad bridge, across Salmon Bay. This is part of its land development plan for Gilman Park, soon to be renamed Ballard (annex...
In 1890, the Mayview Tramway, located in northeastern Garfield County, begins operation. For more than 50 years it will haul millions of pounds of grain from a point on top of the Snake River Canyon ...
The opening of a post office is an important marker of the beginning of a community. On January 6, 1890, the White Post Office (in the area known in 2004 as Avondale) opens in east King County. Edna...
The opening of a post office is an important marker of the beginning of a community. On January 8, 1890, Ravenna Post Office opens. Lafayette S. Beck is the first postmaster. At the time, Ravenna i...
On January 18, 1890, the Pontiac Post Office is established on the west shore of Lake Washington, on Sand Point, a future neighborhood of Seattle. A post office is an important marker of the beginning...
The opening of a post office is an important marker of the beginning of a community. Yesler Post Office is established on January 21, 1890. Theron W. Peck is the first postmaster. It is located in the...
In early February, 1890, Amos Bowman (1839-1894) of Anacortes builds the Skagit County town's first large sawmill. Lumber will be a major industry in the town for more than sixty years. By 1911, thirt...
On February 10, 1890, Tacoma's first electric trolley cars zip along the city streets as crowds cheer. Tacoma has had horse-drawn and steam-powered streetcars since 1888, but they are unreliable. In 1...
On or near March 3, 1890, a woman, Mrs. S. R. Keenan, addresses a Spokane labor meeting, the first time a woman has ever done so in that city.
The opening of a post office is an important marker of the beginning of a community. On March 25, 1890, the Fremont Post Office opens. Thomas C. Ralston is the first postmaster. Fremont, now (2005)...
On March 27, 1890, the Public Accommodations Act becomes effective, upon adoption of the Washington State Constitution. This law entitles all citizens to civil and legal rights, including access to ac...
On March 27, 1890, Governor Elisha P. Ferry signs the School Suffrage Act into law. The act enfranchises women to vote in local school district elections, but not for state or county superintendents.
On April 13, 1890, the Seattle Brewers and Malters Union Local 142 forms with about 65 members.
The opening of a post office is an important marker of the beginning of a community. On April 18, 1890, York Post Office opens. John A. Steeves is the first postmaster. York is located on the easts...
In May 1890, the first local branch of the National Afro-American League organizes in Seattle. Isaac W. Evans is president.
On May 1, 1890, a measure banning tents within the area destroyed by the Great Seattle Fire on June 6, 1889, takes effect. The Seattle City Council passed the measure on April 11, 1890, but by the eff...
On May 10, 1890, 50 residents of Kelso, Washington, vote in favor of incorporation; one individual is opposed. After the vote, the town clerk is instructed to prepare a certified record of the result ...
On May 12, 1890, Aberdeen, located at the confluence of the Wishkah and Chehalis rivers on Grays Harbor, incorporates. Founded by Samuel (1832-1935) and Martha (1845-1917) Benn, the town sits on an ad...