Top 10 Fun Facts About Washington
Washington is a treasure trove of Pacific Northwestern beauty. Boost your knowledge of the state with these ten fun facts.
Washington Started the Trend of Spinning Restaurants
In 1961, Seattle opened the world’s first revolving restaurant. It was housed in the Space Needle, an amazing 605 feet in the air.
Washington Is the Apple Capital of the US
Washington apples aren’t just famous because they’re so delicious - they’re plentiful too. Washington produces the most apples of any US state.
The Largest Building in the World Is in Washington
While the Burj Khalifa is well-known as the world’s tallest building, it doesn’t have the most volume of any building. That title belongs to the Boeing factory in Everett Washington.
Washington Has a History of Duplicate Names
When we talk about Washington today, we often say “Washington state” to clarify the state rather than Washington, DC. Interestingly, though, before this area became a state, it was known as Columbia Territory. When it became a state, its name was changed to Washington so it wouldn’t be confused with the District of Columbia.
Washington’s Highest Peak was Named for an Enemy
Mount Rainier is well-known as the highest peak in Washington, but few people realize the origins of its name. The mountain was named after Rear Admiral Peter Rainier, an officer of the British Royal Navy who fought against Americans in the Revolutionary War.
Washington s Home to the Largest Ferry Fleet in the US
Washington State Ferries, a fleet of 21 ferries crossing Puget Sound and other waterways, is the largest fleet of ferries in the country. The fleet carries an amazing 23 million passengers each year.
The Largest Hydroelectric Dam in the US Is in Washington
Grand Coulee Dam is a popular tourist spot in Washington, and it’s the largest hydroelectric dam in the US. It was part of a major project launched during the Great Depression to produce more electricity.
Washington Was the Site of One of the Largest Volcanic Eruptions in the US
Volcanic eruptions sound like the legends of history, but they’re an ever-present risk in Washington. When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, it was one of the largest eruptions in the US and it reminded residents of the region that they were living among volatile landscapes.
Washington Houses the World’s Longest Floating Bridge
The world’s longest floating bridge is the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge in Seattle, crossing Lake Washington. Beyond this, though, Washington is home to four of the five longest floating bridges in the world.
Washington Is the Original Home of Pickleball
Pickleball has recently surged as a recreational trend, but its origins go back to Washington in the 1960s. Washington congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell invented the game in the summer of 1965.
