Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, June 20,1975, Governors' Negative Collection, Washington State Archives

In 1975, as the Bicentennial of the American Revolution neared, people began planning events to mark the occasion. One such event was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, a network of five covered wagon trains that would pass through each state along well-known historic trails. Organized by the Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commission, the trails were designed to converge together at the Valley Forge National Historic Park to celebrate on July 4th, 1976.

Learn more about Washington’s role below:

Ferry Evergreen State approaching ferry terminal on Puget Sound, Washington Department of Transportation, Agency Library, Photograph Collections, Washington State Archives

Constructed in just 11 months and commissioned in 1954, the Evergreen State became the first custom-built vessel to join the Washington State Ferry fleet. Upon its debut on the Bainbridge-Seattle route, the 310ft long Evergreen State was the largest ferry on the West Coast.