Olympia Map

Description: This map shows streets, roads, trails, shops, hospitals, golf courses, lakes, rivers, buildings, railways, railway stations, viewpoints, and parks in Olympia.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, trails, picnic areas, museums, piers, restrooms, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Downtown Olympia.

Other Maps of Olympia

Olympia is the capital city of the U.S. state of Washington and the county seat of Thurston County. Located at the southern end of Puget Sound on Budd Inlet, the city serves as the political and administrative center of Washington State. As of 2024, Olympia had a population of approximately 56,000 residents.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Lushootseed-speaking peoples, particularly the Squaxin and Nisqually tribes. European-American settlement began in the 1840s when Edmund Sylvester and Levi Lathrop Smith claimed the land in 1846. The settlement was initially called Smithfield but was later renamed Olympia, reportedly after the nearby Olympic Mountains.

Olympia was officially incorporated on January 28, 1859. When Washington Territory was created in 1853, Olympia was designated as the territorial capital, a status it retained when Washington became a state in 1889. The construction of the Legislative Building, completed in 1928, established the Capitol Campus as the centerpiece of state government.

Geography and Climate

Olympia is situated approximately 60 miles southwest of Seattle and 29 miles southwest of Tacoma. The city encompasses an area of about 20 square miles, with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 500 feet. The surrounding region features dense forests, waterways, and views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.

The climate is oceanic with mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. Average annual precipitation is around 50 inches, with the majority falling between October and April. Winter temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit, while summer temperatures average in the 70s.

Government

As the state capital, Olympia houses the Washington State Capitol Campus, which includes the Legislative Building, the Governor's Mansion, and various state agency offices. The city operates under a council-manager form of government with a seven-member city council and an appointed city manager. State government is the largest employer in the city, providing thousands of jobs to the local economy.

Economy and Education

Beyond state government, Olympia's economy includes healthcare, retail, and service industries. The Port of Olympia supports maritime commerce and industrial activities.

The Evergreen State College, established in 1967, is located in Olympia and is known for its interdisciplinary curriculum and narrative evaluations instead of traditional grades. South Puget Sound Community College also serves the area's educational needs.

Culture and Points of Interest

The Washington State Capitol Campus is the city's most prominent landmark, featuring neoclassical architecture and extensive grounds. The Hands On Children's Museum, Percival Landing waterfront park, and the Olympia Farmers Market are popular destinations. The city has a vibrant arts community with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.

Olympia is known for its progressive political culture and has been home to a thriving independent music scene since the 1990s, producing several notable bands in the punk and indie rock genres.

Main sights in Olympia

References