OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington State has a unique relationship with presidential history, being the only state named directly after a Commander-in-chief.

When the United States first claimed territorial sovereignty over the area now known as Washington State, it was part of the Oregon Territory. This action displaced American Indian populations who were and continue to be the original stewards of the pacific northwest.

In 1852, the U.S. Congress proposed splitting the Oregon Territory along the Columbia River. This would have created the "Territory of Columbia."

However, lawmakers were concerned that the name sounded too similar to "The District of Columbia." As a result, they decided to name it "The Territory of Washington." Despite some concerns in the House about potential confusion with "Washington, D.C.," the bill had already passed.

Washington eventually became a state in 1889.

The confusion between Washington State and Washington, D.C. remains an issue in contemporary American politics. Advocates for Washington, D.C. statehood now face the challenge of finding a name that isn't already associated with Washington. Many activists suggest calling it "Douglass Commonwealth."