Consider “The Other Washington”… Which one is it?

Well, it’s a matter of perspective. For most of us Northwesterners, the phrase refers to our nation’s capitol, as in “those fat-cat politicos in the other Washington.” For much of the rest of the country, it refers to our fair state. (If memory serves, the tourism board had a slogan in the ‘80s, along the lines of “Visit America’s other Washington -- the state!”)

This slight confusion began in 1852, when a delegate from the area now known as Washington state petitioned Congress for its independence from Oregon Territory. He suggested the new territory be named Columbia, but one representative argued the name would create confusion with District of Columbia, and instead should honor our first president. (Apparently it didn’t occur to him that two Washingtons could also be problematic). Regardless, feeling the name-change would improve chances of independence, the delegate agreed. “Washington Territory” was then established on March 2, 1853, though it’d be another 36 years before statehood was granted.

All this came to mind because we were born and raised in Washington (the Evergreen State), while our girlfriend was born and raised in Washington (the city with the crack-smoking mayor). We spent the recent holidays visiting the latter, though we found a few instances of the former.

No, we didn’t see Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, or Jim McDermott, though we did see a tiny downtown coffee shop called Sip of Seattle (the only “Seattle” thing therein was a framed poster of the Space Needle). Over at the Smithsonian, we noticed the National Museum of American History is subtitled “Behring Center.” It seems that the former Seahawks owner (1998-1996), despised in these parts for threatening to move the team away before selling it to Paul Allen, is a big benefactor of the Nation’s Attic. He left a bad taste in our mouths, but we can’t complain about this -- we dig the Smithsonian. Speaking of which, there’s lots of Boeing-related stuff at the nearby National Air and Space Museum.

Much like our state, there’s lots to love about D.C. Besides its rich history, gorgeous landscape, and all the cool tourist attractions, we also love the Metro, duckpin bowling, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and Butterstick. Why, they even have their own blog.

We can’t wait to get back, hopefully when the Nationals are in town. For now though, we’re happy to be back home in Washington (er, the state).