State of Washington
Nicknames: The Evergreen State
Motto(s): “Alki” (By and By)
Date of Statehood: November 11, 1889 (42nd state)
State Song: “Washington, My Home” by Helen Davis
Washington Flag History
Washington’s state flag is distinctive, being the only state flag with a field of dark green and the state seal in the center. The seal features a portrait of George Washington, the state’s namesake. The flag was officially adopted in 1923, but the basic design had been in use since the early 1900s.
The dark green of the flag symbolizes the state’s rich forests, while the likeness of George Washington honors the first president and reflects the state’s pride and history. The flag’s design has remained consistent since its official adoption, demonstrating the state’s enduring values and heritage.
The combination of the green field and the central state seal makes Washington’s flag easily recognizable and symbolizes the state’s unique identity, rich natural environment, and respect for its historical roots.
Washington Quick Facts
Capital City: Olympia
Abbreviation: WA
Population: Approximately 7.7 million
Region: Pacific Northwest
Origin of State Name: Named after George Washington
Sports Teams: Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Sounders FC (MLS), Seattle Kraken (NHL)
Bordering States: Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia (Canada)
Area Codes: 206, 253, 360, 425, 509
Highest Point: Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean
Geography of Washington
Area: 71,362 square miles (184,827 square kilometers), 18th largest
Land: 66,544 square miles (172,349 square kilometers), 20th largest
Water: 4,842 square miles (12,542 square kilometers), 9th largest in water area
Coastline: 157 miles (253 kilometers), 13th longest
Shoreline: Extensive, including the Pacific coastline and numerous inland shorelines of the Puget Sound and islands
Largest Cities:
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Bellevue
- Kent
- Everett
- Renton
- Federal Way
- Spokane Valley
- Yakima
- Kirkland
- Bellingham
- Kennewick
- Auburn
National Parks:
- Olympic National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
Washington State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Willow Goldfinch
State Animal: Olympic Marmot
State Amphibian: Pacific Tree Frog
State Butterfly: None designated
State Fish: Steelhead Trout
State Flower: Coast Rhododendron
State Horse Breed: None designated
State Insect: Green Darner Dragonfly
State Mammal: Olympic Marmot
State Reptile: None designated
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Apple
State Gemstone: Petrified Wood
State Soil: Tokul Soil
State Tree: Western Hemlock
State Quarter: Released in 2007, featuring a king salmon breaching the water in front of Mount Rainier
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Green and gold
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: None designated
State Fossil: Columbian Mammoth
State Mineral: None designated
State Rock: Petrified Wood