Washington Celebrates 125 Years as a State Today! [VIDEO]

Washington became the 42nd state in the union on this day in 1889.

In a region that was claimed at various times by the Spanish, Russians, and British, it was the fledgling United States that put a  lasting claim on what is now Washington.

Great Britain and the United States jointly occupied the region between 1818 and 1846, when Britain ceded the Pacific Northwest below the 49th parallel to the U.S. Two years later, the U.S. created Oregon Territory, including the future states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho and a portion of Montana. Washington Territory (including Idaho and western Montana until 1863) was separated from Oregon on March 2, 1853, and gained statehood on November 11, 1889. Our state is named in honor of George Washington, the only state named after a U.S. president.

Some other interesting facts about us Washingtonians:

After English, Spanish is the most spoken language. Chinese comes in third.

Most of us are Protestant when it comes to religion, with the "unafiliated" coming in second.

We have the largest ferry system in the United States.

Only California produces more wine.

Our state insect is the Green Darner Dragonfly.

Elisha P. Ferry, who Ferry County is named for, was the territorial governor when Washington became a state.

The first territorial governor, Isaac Stevens, went on to become a Union Civil War General.

President Millard Fillmore, who most people don't remember anything about, signed the bill that created Washington Territory.

Our official state state marine mammal is the orca, or killer whale.

Our official state song is "Washington My Home."  Most Washingtonians probably don't know the words, so feel free to sing along with this captioned video!

Happy Birthday, Washington!