George Bush: Tumwater’s Trailblazing Pioneer

When visitors explore Tumwater today, they are stepping into a community shaped by remarkable pioneers. Among the most influential was George Bush, a free Black pioneer whose courage, generosity, and resilience left an enduring mark on Washington State history.

Journey to the Pacific Northwest (1844)

In 1844, Bush traveled west with Michael T. Simmons in a party, seeking new opportunities on the frontier. However, when the group arrived in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Bush faced harsh racial exclusion laws that barred Black settlers. These laws went so far as to allow Bush to be publicly beaten until he left the territory. Rather than abandon their friend, the party pushed northward, crossing the Columbia River and heading toward Puget Sound, where they could make a new start together.

Founding Tumwater & Bush Prairie (1845)

By late 1845, the Simmons-Bush party established the first permanent American settlement on Puget Sound. Simmons settled at the falls of the Deschutes River—establishing a community known then as New Market and later as Tumwater—while Bush established his homestead just southeast, at what became known as Bush Prairie. Together, they built the region’s first sawmill and gristmill, laying the foundations for growth in the young community.

A Farm That Fed the Territory

Bush’s 640-acre farm along the Cowlitz Trail quickly became a beacon of hospitality. Travelers passing through were welcomed, fed, and supplied. During the grain shortage of 1852, speculators sought to profit by driving up prices, but Bush refused. Instead, he and his wife Isabella shared their grain freely with hungry neighbors, asking only that they repay him in kind later. Their generosity and fairness earned him and Isabella admiration from settlers and respect from the Nisqually people, with whom they maintained strong relationships.

Hosting the First Territorial Governor

Local lore preserves a memorable story about Bush’s hospitality. When Isaac Ingalls Stevens, Washington Territory’s first governor, passed through the area, the Bush family hosted him for a meal. True to form, Bush declined any payment. In gratitude, Stevens is said to have slipped a gold coin under his plate, a small token of appreciation for Bush’s generosity.

Overcoming Barriers to Land Ownership

Despite his contributions, Bush faced another obstacle: the 1850 Donation Land Claim Act, which prohibited Black settlers from claiming federal land. Yet, Bush’s reputation carried weight. In 1855, the newly formed Washington Territorial Legislature petitioned Congress to grant him legal title to his farm. Congress agreed, passing “An Act for the Relief of George Bush,” securing 640 acres at Bush Prairie to George and Isabella, a rare victory for justice in an era of systemic discrimination.

A Lasting Legacy

Bush’s legacy extended well beyond his own lifetime. His son, William Owen Bush, became a leader in the, then, new state of Washington. As a member of the first state legislature (1889–1890), William introduced the bill that created Washington State University, ensuring that education and agriculture would thrive in the generations to come.

Remembering George Bush Today

George Bush is remembered not only as a founder of Tumwater, but as a pioneer whose generosity, perseverance, and quiet leadership helped shape the future of Washington State. His story reflects the spirit of welcome and resilience that continues to define Tumwater today. George Bush belonged here. You Belong Here.

Visiting Tumwater?

Take time to explore the landscapes and heritage shaped by pioneers like Bush. The fields of Bush Prairie and the nearby Deschutes River remain powerful reminders of the region’s earliest chapter in American settlement. Make sure to visit these five stops: