The growing populace of Oregon Territory north…

The growing populace of Oregon Territory north of the Columbia River had formally requested a new territory, which was granted by the U.S. government in 1853.

The boundary of Washington Territory initially extends farther east than the present state's, including what is now the Idaho Panhandle and parts of western Montana, and had picked up more land to the southeast that was left behind when Oregon was admitted as a state.

The creation of Idaho Territory in 1863 had established the final eastern border.

Heavy rainfall to the west of the Cascade Range produces dense forests, and the ports along Puget Sound prosper from the manufacturing and shipping of lumber products, particularly the Douglas-fir.

Other industries that have developed in the state included fishing, salmon canning and mining.