I was very proud to sponsor a Senate Resolution honoring Centralia’s founder George Washington as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birthday. Our George Washington was an African-American pioneer who founded Centralia in 1875 after running a pole ferry across the Chehalis River.

Washington overcame many significant hardships to become an incredibly well regarded civic leader, businessman and volunteer who helped so many others in the community through difficult times.

We were joined in the Senate chamber by a large delegation of Centralia community members and leaders. Recognizing and educating the rest of our state about our George Washington made this occasion very special for all of us who have made this area our home.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this celebration. For those who could not make it the Centralia Chronicle published a thorough write up of the day and history, which you can read here.

You can read the entire resolution which was unanimously approved by the Senate by clicking here.

In addition to sponsoring the resolution, I had the opportunity to speak about Centralia’s founder, which you can watch here.

Republican Senator John Braun from Centralia, introduced the resolution honoring Washington, the son of a former slave and a woman of English decent.

There will be a celebration during Washington’s birthday in August where a bronze statue will be unveiled in a park that bears his name.

Chair of the George Washington Bicentennial Committee Brian Mittge during hard times for the entire territory in 1893, Washington lived by his motto of “peace and plenty” in supporting his neighbors.

Mayor of Centralia Lee Coumbs says George Washington was a visionary.

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