George Washington (Washington pioneer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Washington, pioneer
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Washington with his dog circa 1890.
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| Born | August 15, 1817 near Winchester, Virginia
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| Died | August 26, 1905 (aged 88) |
| Occupation | Farmer and business owner |
| Known for | Founder of Centralia, Washington |
George Washington (born August 15, 1817 – died August 26, 1905) was a very important person who founded the town of Centralia, Washington. He is remembered as a leading African American pioneer in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
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George Washington's Early Life
George Washington was born in 1817 near Winchester, Virginia. His father had been enslaved, and his mother was of English descent. His father was later sold to another farm. George's mother then entrusted him to Anna and James Cochran, a white couple who adopted and raised him.
When George was four, the Cochrans moved west to Delaware County, Ohio. This area was known for having safe places for people escaping slavery, part of a secret network called the Underground Railroad. Later, they moved to Missouri. George became very good with a rifle and taught himself how to read. The Cochrans asked the state of Missouri to give George full rights as a citizen, which he received, though he still couldn't vote.
Moving to the Pacific Northwest
George worried he might lose his freedom because of a new law called the Compromise of 1850. To stay safe, he moved with the Cochrans along the Oregon Trail to the West. When they arrived in the Oregon Territory in 1852, they discovered that George couldn't claim land. This was because of special laws passed in 1849 that prevented African Americans from owning land there. So, George and his family had to settle in Milwaukie instead. George found work as a logger, cutting down trees for $90 a month, which also included his meals and lodging.
A few months after arriving, George became very sick. The Cochrans took him to the Columbia Barracks military fort (which later became Fort Vancouver), the only place with doctors nearby. At first, they were told the fort only treated soldiers. But when a doctor saw how sick George was, he decided to help. The doctor performed surgery that saved George's life. However, the medicine used caused him to lose all his hair permanently. In later photos, you can see him wearing wigs. He spent several months recovering at the fort.
After he got better, George and the Cochrans returned to the Milwaukie area. George eventually helped his adoptive parents settle into a cabin near Cowlitz Landing. George then wanted to find his own land in areas like Olympia, Steilacoom, and Seattle. Even though the law made it hard for him to claim land, over 100 pioneers supported him. They asked the court to let him stay in the Oregon Territory. While a bigger change to the law didn't pass, the special request for George to stay was approved by a close vote. Then, on March 2, 1853, the Washington Territory was officially created. This new territory did not have the same unfair laws, which was great news for George.
Founding the Town of Centralia, Washington
George left Oregon and settled near where the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers meet. The Cochrans claimed land there for the family. When the Washington Territory was formed in 1853, its laws allowed African Americans to own land. So, the Cochrans sold their land to George for $6,000. George took care of his adoptive parents for the rest of their lives. When he was in his fifties, George married Mary Jane Cain Cooness. She had African American and Jewish heritage. He also helped raise her son, Stacey.
George knew the Northern Pacific railroad was coming in 1872. He imagined a town on his land, right in the middle of Kalama and Tacoma. In 1875, he officially created this settlement and named it Centerville. He named the streets after stories from the Bible. He also set aside land for a park (where the Carnegie Library now stands) and for churches of different faiths.
In 1886, the town became officially known as Centralia, Washington. This happened because another town in the territory was already called Centerville. George Washington became the only African American to found a town in the Pacific Northwest. George believed in growing the town steadily and fairly. He was known for being very honest in his business dealings.
Even though some new people treated him unfairly because of his race, George always helped the town. During a tough economic time in 1893, when the railroad went bankrupt, he supported many residents. When some people at the first church (built on land he donated) wouldn't attend if he was there, George simply helped create a second church.
George Washington's Later Years and Death
Centralia grew a lot during the Klondike Gold Rush starting in 1898. By the time George Washington passed away in 1905 at 88 years old, Centralia had about 5,000 residents. Many people attended his funeral to honor him. He is buried in the town's Washington Lawn Cemetery.
Honoring George Washington
Centralia has many ways to remember its founder. There's a big stone monument in George Washington Park (a park he and Mary Jane donated) that tells his life story. For his 200th birthday, a bronze statue of George and Mary Jane Washington was placed in the park in August 2018. He is buried in Washington Lawn Cemetery, which is named after his family.
In 2023, the city decided that August 15 would be known as Founder's Day. This date was chosen to match George Washington's birthday.
See also
