<P> By the early 1850s American settlers began agitating to separate the area north of the Columbia River from Oregon Territory . The agitation resulted in Congress creating Washington Territory . Isaac I. Stevens served as its first governor . Upon his arrival in 1853 , Stevens designated Olympia capital of the new territory . The first territorial legislature convened early in 1854 at the Parker and Colter store on Main Street ( now Capital Way ) between State Street and Olympia Ave . Olympia 's Daniel Bigelow represented Thurston County in the first three legislatures . His family home still stands , now known as Bigelow House Museum , Olympia 's oldest surviving home . </P>
<P> By the early 1850s American settlers began agitating to separate the area north of the Columbia River from Oregon Territory . The agitation resulted in Congress creating Washington Territory . Isaac I. Stevens served as its first governor . Upon his arrival in 1853 , Stevens designated Olympia capital of the new territory . The first territorial legislature convened early in 1854 at the Parker and Colter store on Main Street ( now Capital Way ) between State Street and Olympia Ave . Olympia 's Daniel Bigelow represented Thurston County in the first three legislatures . His family home still stands , now known as Bigelow House Museum , Olympia 's oldest surviving home . </P>
when did olympia become the capital of washington
when did olympia become the capital of washington
1853
1853