Page 619 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

W ASHINGT ON  617

dome is one of the tallest
masonry domes in the world.
One of the most impressive
in the nation, the campus
encompasses superb buildings,
several fountains, and monu-
ments. Its landscaped grounds
were designed in 1928 by the
Olmsted Brothers, sons of
Frederick Olmsted, one of the
creators of New York City’s
Central Park (see p88).
The State Capital Museum
provides a historical perspective
of Washington’s early pioneer Mount St. Helens and the surrounding area after the 1980 explosion
settlements, through its collec-
tions of early photographs y Mount St. Helens u Fort Vancouver
and documents. The State National Volcanic National Historic
Archives, with its historical Site
records and artifacts, is another Monument
institution related to the state’s Tel (360) 449-7800. & 0 = Tel (360) 816-6230. Open Apr–Oct:
past. Visitors can access such ∑ fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm 9am–5pm Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm Sun;
unique treasures as documents Nov–Mar: 9am–4pm Mon–Sat, noon–
from the Canwell Committee, On the morning of May 18, 4pm Sun. Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving,
which blacklisted suspected 1980, Mount St. Helens literally Dec 24, 25, & 31. & 7 partial. 8
Communists during the 1950s exploded. Triggered by a ∑ nps.gov/fova
(see p60). powerful earthquake, the peak
Tree-lined streets, old homes, erupted, spewing 1 cubic mile Between 1825 and 1849, Fort
a picturesque waterfront, and a (4.17 cubic km) of rock into the Vancouver was a major trading
thriving cultural community all air and causing the largest outpost for the Hudson’s Bay
contribute to Olympia’s charm. recorded avalanche in history. Company, the British-based fur-
Tucked among downtown’s In the blink of an eye, the trading organiza tion. Located
historic buildings are several mountain lost 1,314 ft (400 m), close to major tributaries and
shops, restaurants, and galleries. and 234 sq miles (606 sq km) natural resources, it was the
Within walking distance are of forestlands were destroyed. center of political and commercial
attractions such as the lively The eruption also claimed 57 activities in the Pacific Northwest
Olympia Farmers Market, human lives and those of during these years. In the 1830s
offering local produce, seafood, millions of animals and fish. and 1840s, the fort also provided
and crafts, along with dining The 170-sq-mile (445-sq-km) essential supplies to settlers.
and entertainment. monument was created in 1982 Fort Vancouver features
Percival Landing, a 1.5-mile to allow the environment to reconstructions of nine original
(2.5-km) boardwalk along Budd recover naturally while buildings, including the jail and
Inlet, offers views of the Olympic encouraging research, recreation, fur store, all on their original sites.
Mountains, the Capitol dome, and education. Roads and trails Guided tours and re-enactments
Puget Sound, and ships in port. allow visitors to explore this offer a window into the fort’s
fascinating region by car and past. Over a million artifacts have
P State Capitol Campus foot. On the mountain’s west been excavated from this site.
n 409 13th Ave SW, (360) 586-3460. side, Highway 504 leads to five
Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, Dec 25. visitor centers, which document
Legislative Building: Open Memorial the disaster and recovery
Day–Labor Day: 8am–5pm Mon–Fri, efforts. Mount St. Helens
9am–4pm Sat–Sun; Labor Day– National Volcanic Monument
Memorial Day: 8am–5pm Mon–Fri. Visitor Center, at milepost 5,
8 Campus: hourly 10am–3pm daily;
Temple of Justice: 8am–5pm Mon–Fri. features interprative exhibits of
7 ∑ ga.wa.gov/visitor the mountain’s history.
The visitor center at Hoffstadt
E State Capital Museum Bluffs, at milepost 27, gives
211 21st Ave SW. Tel (360) 753-2580. visitors their first full view of
Open 10am–4pm Sat. Closed public Mount St. Helens and offers
hols. & 7 ∑ washington helicopter tours into the blast
history.org
zone from May to September.
P State Archives Johnson Ridge Observatory,
1129 Washington St SE. at the end of the road, offers The three-story bastion, dating from 1845,
Tel (360) 586-1492. panoramic views. at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

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