Here is a fascinating new item—the very first records book of Washington Territory government in Thurston County. Beginning in 1852 as a county of Oregon Territory, Thurston encompassed all of present-day western Washington north of Lewis County. The First Record Book of Thurston County covers the years 1852–1857. As you can see from the cover, and looking through the pages, the book is quite old and delicate, but thanks to volunteers at the Archives, this valuable treasure is digitally available for all to see. In the book you will find 529 pages of official county business and transactions, such as deeds, probate records, marriage records, and more. One such example is this petition, on 06 September 1852, by William Packwood for a new school district: