Historical Significance

In 1913, Washington State Governor Ernest Lister accepted an Oregon Trail monument on behalf of the State of Washington. The Sacajawea Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) of Olympia, Washington donated a native granite boulder that was installed with a bronze plaque marking the end of the Oregon Trail. The DAR and Ezra Meeker were interested in honoring the Oregon Trail pioneers who reached Puget Sound; documenting and preserving the Oregon Trail; promoting a national highway across the country; and attempting to rename the 'Pacific Highway' to 'Pioneer Way', the road that first took travelers from the Columbia River to Puget Sound. The Sacajawea Chapter was organized by thirteen Olympia women in 1905, with a charter that was granted by the National Society in 1906.

Historical Destinations

• City Landmark
• Other - Included in Thurston County Historic Commission People and Places online album

Historical Marker

• Marker Date: 1913
• State of Marker Organization: WA
• Marker Organization: Sacajawea Chapter NSDAR
• Marker Text: MARKING THE END OF THE OREGON TRAIL 1844  ERECTED BY SACAJAWEA CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION OLYMPIA, WA 1913

Funding

This marker is located in the nortwest corner of Sylvester Park, whcih is listed on the national, state, and local registers of historic places. The maintenance of the park and marker is funded by the State of Washington, Department of Enterprise Services. DAR gives occasional input to the state in regards to maintenance.

Physical Condition

• Preserve

Tourist Information

• Open to the public - Yes
• Family Friendly - Yes
• Hours of operation - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Admission fee - None
• Lodging - Yes