Welcome to the online copy of the Thurston County Historical Journal. The idea for a historical publication dedicated to recording and celebrating the history of Thurston County was first conceived by Charlie Roe of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum. A consortium of heritage groups in the county came together to discuss the publication. Eventually, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation volunteered to act as publisher, and various heritage groups and county/city government entities donated money to fund the publication.

 

The first issue was published in November 2016. Subsequent issues have been, and will continue to be, published about three times a year (depending on funding and availability of articles).

Paper copies of the Journal are available to members of participating heritage organizations, and are also offered at the Bigelow House Museum, the Crosby House Museum, and the Lacey Museum.

A digital version of each issue will be posted online one year after release of the paper copy.

The Journal welcomes factual articles dealing with any aspect of Thurston County history. Please contact the editor, Karen Johnson (360-890-2299, karen@olytumfoundation.org), before submitting an article to determine its suitability for publication. Articles on previously unexplored topics, new interpretations of well-known topics, and personal recollections are preferred. Articles may range in length from 100 words to 10,000 words, and should include source notes and suggested illustrations.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles about Thurston County history.


Number 1, November 2016 

  • The Genesis of the County Journal
  • How the Northern Pacific Railroad Came to Thurston County
  • Nancy Jim Parsons: The Life and Legacy of a Cowlitz-Nisqually Native American Basket Weaver
  • A Perfect Day for Flying--Charles Lindbergh Soars Over Thurston County
  • Happy Birthday, Lacey! A Photo Essay

 

Number 2, April 2017 

  • Pioneers of the Nisqually Valley
  • Metamorphosis: The Transformation of Olympia from Frontier Village to Modern Town, 1889-1912

 

Number 3, August 2017, part 1 ; part 2

Part 1

  • Olympia: In the Eye of the European Beholder
  • Maritime History of Olympia and South Puget Sound

Part 2

  • Mining Coal: An Important Thurston County Industry 100 Years Ago

 

Written permission is required to reproduce any part of this publication. Copyright 2016 by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. All rights reserved.

 

 TIP! The easiest way to bookmark this page is to use the URL www.ci.lacey.wa.us/TCHJ