The Story Pole in Olympia

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Corner of Water Street and 11th Avenue, Olympia, Washington

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The Pacific Northwest has a rich heritage of Indian culture. Modern settlers have, to varying degrees, embraced this history and in many ways incorporated it into their own cultures. On example of the way the local tribes are honored is through the inclusion of a story pole on the grounds of the Washington State Capitol. Often confused with a totem pole, which is roughly analogous to a family crest, a story pole is used to teach children through parables. The pole was started by Chief William Shelton of the Snohomish tribe. He was asked to make it by then-governor Roland Hartley. Shelton spent the last five years of his life working on the cedar pole, but died before it was finished. It had to be completed by other members of the tribe. The pole has been refurbished several times over the years, but the elements have taken their toll. It has been determined that the pole will have to be replaced by 2007, as the wood is rotting from the inside out.

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There are two comments.

  I am Snohomish and I would prefer to keep it in its original design as this is the true story.

mina staehler - Sunday, February 1st, 2009 @ 2:57pm  

  While I think that this little structure is very important for diversity I think that WA state needs to add some of the designs that are a little more recent.

Maddie - Thursday, February 22nd, 2007 @ 4:24pm