George Bush, a mixed-race Black man, traveled on the Oregon Trail in 1844, to what is now Tumwater, Washington. George Washington, also a mixed-race Black man, traveled on the Oregon Trail in 1850 to what is now Centralia, Washington. Both men were wealthy pioneers, prominent farmers and homesteaders before Washington Territory was formed. Historian Heather Beaird has found that their stories have often been combined, confused, and conflated in local histories. Heather sets the record straight and explains the similarities and distinctions between these prominent historical figures of Tumwater and Centralia respectively.  

Heather Beaird is a graduate of both Centralia College and Washington State University Vancouver, where she wrote her senior thesis on George Bush of Tumwater and George Washington of Centralia, in an effort to create a clear distinction between them. Heather started as a volunteer at the Lewis County Historical Museum and soon became a member of their Board of Directors. She worked with the museum director to research and write the newspaper column, "Andy Skinner Commentary" for The Chronicle. She is currently the student program coordinator for Centralia College. 

Stay the night, mention History Pub at check-in for 15% off your room.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp