The Olympia/Thurston County Chamber of Commerce had its beginnings
a 125 years ago by a few determined early-day pioneers who
came to make their homes in South Puget Sound. Today’s
Chamber is one of the oldest all chambers in the state.
"Tumwater: Washington's First Community" is more
than just a catchy phrase. It truly is a historic city. Tumwater
was founded in 1845 as "New Market," the first American
community north of the Columbia. Michael T. Simmons and his
party, with the permission of the British, explored all the
way to the Puget Sound and were attracted to the water power
of the lower falls of the DesChutes River and the rich land
around the southern tip of the sound. With the help of the
Hudson's Bay Company and the local native tribes, the new town
was established and a history was set into motion that would
eventually lead to the forming of the State of Washington.
The Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce proudly
serves parts of Thurston & Pierce County. We are located
just 17 miles east of Olympia and 25 miles south of Tacoma.
