The Oldest Town In Washington That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

Washington officially became the 42nd state in 1889, but long before that it had thriving towns, villages and tribes. Steilacoom is one of the communities that preceded our statehood - it was incorporated in 1854, making it the first incorporated town in what is now Washington. It also happens to be a charming and beautiful place.

In its earliest days, Steilacoom was a Native American village.

A Hudson’s Bay Company trading post was established in the territory in 1832. Lafayette Balch, a sea captain from Main, founded the European American settlement.

For many years, Steilacoom’s main source of revenue was processing and exporting lumber to San Francisco.

The town had Washington’s first jail and its first sawmill.

These days, the charming town of about 6,200 people is a quiet community nestled close to the bigger cities of Lakewood and Tacoma.

Stroll the shores of Sunnyside Beach, which features 1,400 feet of shoreline, trails, a playground and a picnic area.

Watch the ferries come and go from the shores of Pioneer Park.

Visit the Steilacoom Historical Museum and brush up on your local history.

The museum is located at 1801 Rainier Street.

Fuel up at the Steilacoom Pub & Grill, a local favorite.

It's conveniently located a couple of blocks from the ferry dock.

Make sure you stick around to catch a sunset.

The entire town seems to glow.

Steilacoom is a great place to visit and makes for a nice day trip from Seattle or Tacoma. Here are some other historic places in Washington to check out.