Washington's climate is temperate, moderated by warm
ocean air, and this appeals to retirees. The state's biggest tourist
attraction is its spectacular scenery. Its stunning and dramatic
seacoast, lush rain forests and mountain vistas bring tourists from all
over the country.
For those who prefer to stay indoors,
sophisticated Seattle has lively nightlife, fine restaurants,
professional sports and the Pike Street Market. Manufacturing
leads Washington's economy, but forestry, agriculture and fishing are
also important. The native American economy Lewis and Clark found
in 1805 began to give way to forestry and farming in the 1840s when
settlers arrived. In 1889 Washington entered the Union as the 42nd state.