Rodney White (pioneer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney White
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Rodney White and his livestock
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| Born |
Missouri, US
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| Died | August 27, 1913 Mason County, US
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| Occupation | Farmer |
Rodney White was an important pioneer in Washington State. He was a Black farmer who made his home in a place called Tahuya. After he passed away, a swamp near his home was given a very offensive name. But on October 27, 2022, this swamp was officially renamed "Rodney White Slough" to honor him. A "slough" is a type of wetland, like a swampy area.
Contents
Early Life and Journey
From Missouri to Washington
Rodney White was born in Missouri in the mid-1800s. At that time, he was born into slavery, which meant he was not free and had to work without pay. After slavery ended, Rodney White became a free man. He then traveled west, making his way to Roslyn, Washington.
Settling in Tahuya
Rodney White found work helping to build a mine in Mason County. He decided to claim land under a special law called the Homestead Acts. This law allowed people to get land if they promised to live on it and improve it.
On September 2, 1890, Rodney White traveled across the Puget Sound from Seattle to Tahuya to start his new life. It was a difficult journey. Sadly, two people with him drowned while trying to land their ferry in strong winds.
A Hard Worker with a Kind Heart
Building His Homestead
Rodney White quickly became known as a very hard worker. People also said he had "a heart of gold," meaning he was very kind and generous. He worked on his homestead, which was his farm and home, until he passed away.
His Legacy and Animals
Rodney White died on August 27, 1913, from pneumonia. By the time of his death, his homestead had grown to almost 160 acres. He had two donkeys named Baltimore and Babe. After he died, these donkeys were given to the Woodland Park Zoo.
Honoring Rodney White
Renaming the Slough
For many years, the swamp near Rodney White's homestead had an offensive name. This name even appeared on maps until 1992. In 1992, the United States Board on Geographic Names changed the area's name to Grass Lake.
However, local activists from a group called the Living Arts Cultural Heritage Project wanted to do more to honor Rodney White. They worked hard to get the swamp renamed after him. On October 27, 2022, the Washington State Committee on Geographic Names officially renamed the swamp "Rodney White Slough." This was a way to remember and respect Rodney White's important contributions as a pioneer.
