Washington history firsts that happened in Washougal

During the mid-1800s, Washougal Country was considered a frontier, populated by settlers working farms, logging, fishing, and trading along the Columbia River

WASHOUGAL — The area now known as Washougal, Washington, was known informally as “Washougal Country” in the mid to late 1800s. The name “Washougal” is derived from a Chinook word, meaning “rushing water” or “small stones and rushing water,” referring to the nearby Washougal River. Chinookan-speaking tribes inhabited the region long before Euro-American settlers arrived.

During the mid-1800s, Washougal Country was considered a frontier, populated by settlers working farms, logging, fishing, and trading along the Columbia River. The first town in today’s Washougal, named Parkersville, and dock, Parker’s Landing, was an important river stop between Fort Vancouver and The Dalles-a major trading center along the Columbia River known for salmon fishing and intertribal commerce.

Washougal holds a unique place in Washington state history. Here are four notable Washington milestones that took place in Washougal:  

1. In 1844, David C. Parker became the first permanent non-Indigenous settler north of the Columbia River, building his family cabin in what is now Washougal.

2. Parker was also the first person in Clark County to file for a Donation Land Claim, marking the area’s early settlement and land development.

3. In 1852, Washougal Country became home to the first organized school district in what would later become Washington state.

4. And finally, Colonel Michael Troutman (M.T.) Simmons, who traveled the Oregon Trail with Parker paused his journey in today’s Washougal for the birth of his son, Christopher Columbus Simmons — believed to be the first white child born in the future state of Washington.

A historic character traveling the Oregon Trail with Simmons and Parker was George Washington Bush. Bush of African and Indian descent, faced racial discrimination in Missouri, a slave state, where his freedoms were restricted. With a desire for a better life for his family, at 52, he embraced the challenges of the new frontier, where he felt respect and freedom were more certain. His wife, Isabella, trained as a nurse shared his pioneering spirit.

In Missouri, Bush became a prosperous farmer and cattle rancher. Even without his inherited wealth, his expertise would have made him a success in the west. Simmons and Bush soon left Washougal and founded Tumwater. Bush supported Simmons and other settlers, playing a crucial role in local history. Hear fascinating and significant stories about the Oregon Trail, Bush, Simmons, Parker at this year’s Parkersville Day on Saturday, June 7 from noon to 3 p.m.

Complete a Passport by visiting each booth and activity to find answers to questions about the Oregon Trail. Completed Passports will qualify for Raffle prizes. Print Free Raffle Tickets at https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark/ to win a Pendleton Picnic Set valued over $350.

Don’t miss the Chinook blessing, songs, and history, opening the event at noon. Then enjoy free 1800s games with prizes, a Washougal Schools K-12 Oregon Trail-themed art contest, museum exhibits, interactive booths, ice cream, face painting, rock painting, gold panning, a haystack candy grab, and storytelling. The Washougal High School band ends the event from 2:30 pm to 3 p.m. closing with the Parkersville Day march.