Washington achieved statehood on November 11, 1889, becoming the 42nd state in the U.S. However, its history goes back much further. The Evergreen State has dozens and dozens of historical landmarks that will give you a glimpse of the Pacific Northwest's past. If you're curious about our local history, we highly recommend starting with exploring these spots. Without further ado, here are some fascinating and historical landmarks in Washington state.

1. Fort Worden

Located in Port Townsend, Fort Worden Historical State Park was once a U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps base constructed to protect Puget Sound from invasion by sea. Fortunately, it's no longer necessary to have such a military base, and Fort Worden is now a destination for recreation and group gatherings. It may not surprise you to learn that Ford Worden is also considered to be one of the most haunted places in Washington.

2. Bonneville Dam

If you've ever driven along the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, you've probably seen the Bonneville Dam. The dam was built in the 1930s, and it was once the largest water impoundment project of its type in the nation. The Bonneville Dam Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.

3. American and English Camps

Located on San Juan Island, these camps were set up in 1859 as a response to the hostilities of the Pig War. Yes, the U.S. participated in a Pig War. The American and English Camps are now known as San Juan Island National Historical Park, and this is an area any history buff should check out. For a totally unique experience, you can take a trolley tour of San Juan Island.

4. Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Next up on the list of historical landmarks in Washington state is a place with an intense history. The Whitman Massacre was a pretty gruesome point in our history. Members of the Cayuse tribe killed 13 settlers, causing the US to annex the land as the Oregon Territory and starting the Cayuse War. Still, this National Historic Site in Walla Walla is definitely worth visiting.

5. Nez Perce National Historical Park

The Nez Perce National Historical Park is a historic park that has territory in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The park was established in 1965 to tell the story of the Nez Perce people, and the parts of the park that are in Washington are absolutely stunning.

6. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Established in 1824 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, Fort Vancouver was an important 19th-century fur trading outpost. The buildings here are not the originals -- they all burned down in a fire in 1866. However, this is still an important place to visit.

7. Fort Nisqually Granary

Fort Nisqually was the first European trading post on Puget Sound. It has since been relocated to Point Defiance Park in Tacoma and serves as a living history museum.

Do you enjoy learning about our local history? What is your favorite historical landmarks in Washington state to visit? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! Looking for related content? Check out our list of some other bucket-list-worthy historic landmarks in Washington.