George Washington: The African-American Pioneer Who Founded Centralia, Washington

George Washington, born on August 15, 1817, to a black slave and an English woman, is a remarkable figure in the history of the Pacific Northwest. His life story is one of perseverance, courage, and vision. Washington’s journey from the oppressive environment of Virginia to becoming a pioneering settler in Washington State is not just a testament to his personal resolve but also a reflection of the broader struggles and achievements of African Americans during that era.

Washington’s birth in a slave state set the stage for what could have been a life defined by bondage. However, his mother, an English woman, and his father, an enslaved African American, made a crucial decision that would alter his destiny. To ensure their son’s freedom, they entrusted him to a white couple, James and Anna Cochran. The Cochrans, who raised Washington as their own, offered him protection and opportunities that were rare for African Americans at the time. This upbringing in Virginia, under the care of the Cochrans, laid the foundation for Washington’s future endeavors.

In 1850, amid the increasing tensions and restrictions on African Americans in the southern states, Washington made a bold decision to migrate westward along the Oregon Trail. His journey, like that of many pioneers, was fraught with challenges. However, upon arriving in Oregon, he faced a new kind of barrier: the territory’s black exclusion laws. These laws, designed to prevent African Americans from settling in Oregon, forced Washington to move north of the Columbia River. This move led him to what would eventually become Lewis County, in present-day Washington State.

Washington’s choice of settlement was both strategic and visionary. He selected a 640-acre plot of land nestled between the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers. At the time, he was only the fourth American to settle in the area, making him a true pioneer in the region. His selection of this land not only demonstrated his understanding of the geography and resources but also his foresight in recognizing the potential for future development.

In 1875, alongside his wife, Mary Jane, Washington took a significant step in shaping the community by founding the town of Centerville. The town was later renamed Centralia, a name that reflected its location roughly halfway between Seattle and Portland. Centralia was not just another settlement; it was the largest city in the United States founded by a couple of color. This achievement was monumental, especially considering the racial dynamics of the time.

Washington and Mary Jane’s contributions to Centralia went beyond mere town founding. They were actively involved in the community’s development, ensuring that the town was a welcoming place for all, regardless of race. Washington’s leadership and vision helped Centralia grow into a thriving community, and his legacy is still felt in the city today.

A portrait of George Washington and his dog, Rockwood, standing outside his Centralia home, captures the essence of his life—a life marked by determination, resilience, and a deep connection to the land he helped cultivate. This image is a poignant reminder of Washington’s journey from a threatened life in Virginia to becoming a respected and influential figure in the Pacific Northwest.

Washington’s story is not just a personal triumph but also an important chapter in the history of African American migration and settlement in the United States. His ability to navigate the challenges of his time, from exclusionary laws to the hardships of frontier life, and still establish a thriving community, is a powerful testament to his character and vision. Today, Centralia stands as a living monument to George Washington’s legacy, a city that owes its existence to the pioneering spirit of a man who defied the odds and made a lasting impact on the region.

In celebrating George Washington’s life, we honor not only his achievements but also the broader contributions of African Americans to the development of the American West. His story is a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of claiming one’s place in history, even in the face of adversity.