History of Bush Prairie
By Curt Cunningham

After leaving Hodgdon's Station, the Cowlitz Trail crossed over Chain hill and then bumped across the cobblestones of Rocky prairie. After being jostled around in a mud wagon for 8 hard miles, the trail comes to the open grassy fields of the Bush prairie. The prairie is located 5 miles south of Olympia and comprises about 4,000 acres. In 1891, William Owen Bush, son of George Bush, had planted over 200 acres of oats, wheat and potatoes. He said his crops improved each year during the 40+ years he farmed on the prairie. The soil was so fertile that William won the title of world champion for his wheat at the Centennial Expo in 1876. Today, Bush prairie is home to the Olympia Regional Airport.

A Long time ago during the Ice Age, the Puget Sound Glacier had covered Bush prairie with ice that was hundreds of feet thick. As the glacier began to recede, the melt-water along with the drainage of the Puyallup, Nisqually and Des Chutes rivers flowed through channels across Thurston county that led to the Chehalis river valley at Black Lake, Grand Mound, and Centralia. The Chehalis river valley was how all of this water found its way to the sea. When the glacier had pulled back exposing Bush prairie, the drainage began to flow across the prairie through a narrow gap between the retreating glacier walls and the hills on the south side of 93rd Ave. NE. This would continue for many years until the glacier pulled back past Olympia, and caused all the drainage to flow towards Black Lake through a channel at Tumwater.

The First Settlers

The first emigrants to arrive on Bush prairie were; George and Isabella Bush, who the prairie is named for, David and Talitha Kindred, Gabriel and Keziah Jones, and Jessie Ferguson. All these settlers came up from Fort Vancouver together in 1845 with Michael Simmons and others who settled at Tumwater. The Bush's and Jones' took claims at the southeastern end the the prairie near the Cowlitz Trail, and Ferguson and the Kindred's took claims at the north end of the prairie where the Cowlitz Trail meets the trail coming up from Littlerock.

George Bush was born in Missouri around 1791 and was half European and half African. On January 8, 1815 Bush fought in the Battle of New Orleans under Andrew Jackson. In the 1820's, Bush worked for Joseph Robidoux and traveled into the wilderness to trade for furs. Sometime later he was employed by the Hudson's Bay Company as a voyageur, and had traveled into Western Canada. By 1830 Bush was living near Kansas City and on July 4, 1830, George Bush married Isabella James in Clay county Missouri. By 1840 the Bush's were living in St. Louis.

In the spring of 1844 George was asked by some of his friends to lead a party west to the Oregon country. Bush agreed and together with his wife and children, along with; Michael T. Simmons, his wife and seven children; David Kindred his wife and one son; Gabriel Jones, his wife and three children; William McAllister, his wife and several children, plus three young bachelors; Samuel Crockett, Reuben Crowder and Jesse Ferguson. Packed up their belongings and headed west over the Oregon Trail.

When they arrived at the Dalles, they had to leave their wagons behind as there were no roads across the mountains. The only way to reach Fort Vancouver was floating down the river. So they hired canoe operators to transport them down the Columbia river. After a short stop at Washougal, they arrived at Fort Vancouver. At that time, American emigrants were not welcome by the British and they were discouraged from settling north of the Columbia. Because of Bush's past employment with the Hudson's Bay Company, George was able to persuade Dr. McLoughlin to assist the party on their trip to Puget Sound.

Because of the joint agreement with the United States, McLoughlin really couldn't do anything about them wanting to settle north of the river except deny them from purchasing supplies. McLoughlin was generous to the travelers as he would be to the later emigrants, and sent word to Dr. Tolmie at Fort Nisqually to sell them supplies when they arrived. The new arrivals would be dependent on the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Nisqually until they were able to establish their farms.

The reason they traveled north of the Columbia was because people of African ancestry were prevented from land ownership in the Oregon Territory. So by going north George would be beyond the reach of anyone who would enforce this ban. The others in his party supported him and agrred to go north with him. His plan worked perfectly and he settled on a prairie that will take his name. It is well documented that George Bush was very generous to friends and strangers alike and never hesitated to offer his assistance when needed. This generosity continued down though the generations of his offspring.

When Washington Territory was established in 1853, the law banning people of African ancestry from owning land was not adopted. George was liked by the community and it wasn't long before a petition was drawn up demanding that the United States Government formally recognize Bush's right to his land. On March 18, 1854 Judge Seth Catlin reported that the petition asking the Legislative Assembly to request that the US Congress confirm that George Bush and his heirs become free citizens of the United States so that he could take ownership of his land was unanimously passed by the Territorial Legislature and was sent to Washington DC.

On April 7. 1855 Congress passed the bill acknowledging the Bush land claim. The bill read; "That the claim of George Bush to six hundred and forty acres of land in Thurston county, Washington Territory, in virtue of his early settlement and continued residence and cultivation, as set forth in the memorial passed on the seventeenth March, eighteen hundred and fifty-four, by the legislative assembly of Washington Territory, be, and the same is hereby, confirmed, the one half to the said George Bush, and the other half to his wife Isabella, and it shall be the duty of the surveyor general of the said Territory of Washington to designate and set apart the quantity of land aforesaid, to embrace the residence and settlement of the said George Bush, according to the lines of the public surveys, and for the claim hereby confirmed, but not in such a manner as to interfere with any re serve or valid adverse right, if any such exist to any part of the land claimed aforesaid; and upon the presentation of a certificate from the surveyor general, designating the land which may be officially set apart under this act, a patent shall  issue, if the Proceedings are found regular by the Commissioner of the General Land Office."

Antonio Rabbeson who arrived at Puget Sound in 1847, told a story about George Bush that was printed in the Washington Standard on May 28, 1886. It is said that before the party started their trip up the Cowlitz Trail in 1845, they devised a plan that Simmons would bring along two sheep, Jones would bring along two pigs and Bush would bring along two fowl. When the animals produced offspring they would trade them amongst themselves so each could build a stock of each animal. The following is the tale Antonio told;

"Here let me give you a story as told by his neighbors about George Bush. I do not vouch for the truth of it myself, but give it to you as given to me. George Bush being selected to bring the fowls, selected a young cock and pullet. He was very careful of them. When he got his house built he put them to roost upon the chimney crane. Isabella sometimes would growl about it, as she had to keep the cover always on the coffeepot at night, but the old man was determined, for the fowls were not only great pets of his, but the only hope of the settlement for a stock of chickens, and to put them outside would mean certain death from predators."

"The pullet, appreciating the great care and kindness shown to her, one morning laid a pullet's egg. This created quite a sensation in the family. The hopes of the old man were raised to a high pitch. He now became afraid that some owl would come along and descend the chimney flue and carry off the pullet. He concluded it was safer to let her roost upon the headboard of the bedstead. Here again Isabella objected, as she could not sleep with her head covered.

"So they compromised the matter, and the pullet was put to roost upon the footboard. The pullet, seeing there was but one way to get even with the old gentleman, the next morning laid a hen's egg. This was too much for the old man, and he forthwith hustled the boys off to inform the settlement of the occurrence. All now was excitement. Every man got out his seed corn and gave the boys a "nubbin" and some gave a handful of wheat and urged that the old man should keep the hen well fed. The great attention and interest taken in its welfare was appreciated by the pullet, and it was evidently determined not to be outdone. So the next morning this chick attempted to lay a goose egg, but it proved a fiasco."

On January 11, 1891, W. S. Jameson a lumberman from Port Gamble wrote about his trip up the Cowlitz Trail; "I remember spending five days on the trip with my family, and paying $75 fare. We came in a wagon, with no springs, over the roughest corduroy road that ever was on this earth. We bumped over logs into holes and bogs, ran on stumps and got tipped over every now and then, while the rain poured in torrents. When the wagon went over we would wade about in the mud. until we could get her righted. Once we were not only tipped out, but the wagon was turned squarely upside down. Then the children were plastered with the cold mud. When the people going across struck Bush's the best the place afforded, was free to all, and royal hospitality was dispensed. Everybody thought a good deal of old man Bush, who was one of the most popular men in the Northwest.

George and Isabella would live out the remainder of their lives farming on the prairie. Together they had six children, with many of them living out their lives on the prairie. George would pass away on April 5, 1863 and Isabella would pass away on September 12, 1866.

In 1852 William O. Thompson arrived in Portland and took the Cowlitz Trail to Olympia to find a place to live out his life. On his way to Olympia he met George Bush and he commented that George was "exceedingly generous to all emigrants." From the Bush's, Thompson walked to Tumwater arriving in December of 1852. When he reached the shores of Puget Sound he felt that this country was the El Dorado of his dreams and was content to live there the rest of his life, which he did. 

He had said that; "I do not remember if there was a white woman in Olympia when I arrived, but there were two living in Tumwater; Mrs. Crosby and Mrs. Simmons. It seemed a forlorn place, and I never was so homesick in my life. I went back to Mr. Bush, but he laughed at me and set me to work making some sash and door frames for a new house he was about to build. I stayed with Mr. Bush for two or three months."

Thompson wanted to take a claim on Bush prairie but all the good land had been taken. He was scared of the thick forests around Olympia thinking he'd never be able to clear enough land to see a garden grow. He ended up finding a suitable place near Black Lake where he started a farm. The following year Thompson cut out a road from Bush prairie to Black Lake and made a ferry out of a scow, and would transport people who were going between Gate, Grand Mound and Olympia. This was the first road to Belmore, and is now 70th Ave SW. William Thompson would never marry and lived out the rest of his life on his farm at Black Lake. William Thompson would pass away on August 16, 1917.

Jessie Ferguson took up a claim of 320 acres on Bush prairie east of Black Lake. In 1849, Jessie went to California to look for gold. He didn't stay very long and after his return in 1851, Jessie decided to join the ill-fated party which departed Steilacoom on the sloop Georgiana bound for Queen Charlotte's island in search of gold. The ship would be driven ashore on that island during a wind storm and they would be captured by the Haida, who kept them prisoners for fifty-four days. They would end up being rescued after being ransomed by the United States government for $1,500 worth of fresh supplies.

The experience cured Ferguson's gold fever and he returned to his claim on Bush prairie. During the War of 1855, Ferguson remained on his claim and built a blockhouse. He preferred this to the stockade in Olympia. "Uncle" Jessie as he was known, was married on May 29, 1853 to Margaret Jane Rutledge and together they had six children. Margaret would not live to see her children grow up as she sadly passed away in 1861. Jessie Ferguson would live for another 38 years and pass away on his farm on December 17, 1899 at age 76.

David Kindred who was born in 1788 was married to Talitha Ramey Kindred who was born in 1791. Before the Kindred's crossed the plains to Oregon, they were living in Iowa. When Michael T, Simmons was 21 years old, he had moved to Iowa where he met the Kindred's and fell in love with their 15 year old daughter Elizabeth. After a courtship, they were married in 1835. In 1840, the family moved to Missouri and Michael built a gristmill. In 1844, the family met up with George Bush and followed him to Oregon.

The Kindred's took a claim at the west end of Bush prairie and were the first to build a cabin. Their farm was located where the Cowlitz Trail meets the wagon road coming up from Littlerock and the Mima prairie. Today, the farm would be located where Trosper road crosses the freeway. The entire freeway interchange was once their farm. Talitha would pass away on June 12, 1872, and David Kindred would pass the following year on November 8, 1873.

Gabriel Jones was born in 1802 and his wife Keziah Bishop was born in 1805. They were married in Kentucky on January 10, 1828. They settled on Bush prairie just northeast of George and Isabella. Together the Jones' had three children; Lewis, Maurice and Elizabeth. Elizabeth married Joseph Broshears in 1852 and they settled on Rocky prairie north of Tenino. Sometime later the Jones' moved from Bush prairie to Grand prairie. The Grand prairie is west of the Cowlitz Landing and is where the town of Winlock is located. Keziah would pass away on July, 25, 1868, and Gabriel who lived to be 93 years old, passed away at Winlock during August of 1885. Jones was one of the original stockholders in the sawmill built at Tumwater falls.

All the Traffic Will Bear

On November 20, 1920 the Oregonian ran an article entitled "All the Traffic Will Bear." They were alarmed by some hotel keepers in Washington who were raising their rates whenever some out-of-the-ordinary event took place. They said it was the result of the outgrowth of the spirit of commercialism that had developed to an unusual high degree, and these proprietors failed to see the results of what running a good business would do for profits, but instead were looking for the quick bucks. The paper said that "Rapacity in the end is apt to react upon those who thus overreach themselves."

The success and popularity of the Hudson's Bay company, was in the way it dealt with its customers, and their policy of charging fixed prices for their commodities without regard to the law of supply and demand. Prices were made uniform and the last bale of goods in the warehouse was sold at the same price as the first. There were occasions when a superficially shrewder merchant took advantage of unexpected demand, or of the non-arrival of replenishments. But the veteran traders, knew their public better, and did not do so.

The result was that the company weathered a storm of opposition that would have engulfed a dishonest merchant. They said that George Bush, was a man of sterling virtues, and he declined to sell grain to speculators at a high price, and instead held it for his less fortunate neighbors. 

The newspaper concluded the article by saying that "All the traffic will bear" has its limitations as a business policy. Customers will avoid a city whose hotels are noted for their opportunism, and in New York, where landlords have been restrained by laws which leave them worse off than a policy of moderation would have done for them. It is an important function of modern education to teach people to view problems as a whole, rather than to kill the goose that lays the golden egg."

Farmer Bush Talks

William Owen Bush the eldest son of George Bush was elected to the Washington State Legislature in 1889 and served until 1890. On April 2, 1892, William Bush shrugged off a request that he run for state senator. He said he was too busy farming to think about politics. "Have you seen the statement made by the Weekly Capital today, that it was an open secret that you had been promised the senator seat by Judge Robinson," Bush was asked. "No I have not seen it," he replied, "but it is a downright falsehood. I have not talked politics to the judge." 

He was then asked how things were going on his farm. “Splendidly. There are every indications of fine crops. The spring was early, but I have seen many of them just as early. In fact, it is not spring, it is these mild winters we have in this fine country. If this cool rain does not turn into frost and hurt the early fruit we will be all right. There is as much snow in the Black Hills now as there has been at any time during the winter, and we may get a heavy frost, but I hope not.”

The Famous Bush Exhibit

On March 10, 1904 the whereabouts of the missing portion of the famous Bush exhibit was found by St. Louis Fair Commissioner Elmer E. Johnson. Johnson told the Thurston county commissioners and William Bush that the exhibit would be returned if they will permit them to display the exhibit at the St. Louis fair. The collection was known as the Bush exhibit and was prepared by William Owen Bush, which was grown entirely on the Bush prairie. It was first exhibited in 1876 at the Centennial Expo, winning the gold medal for best and most complete collection of cereals.

The collection was also sent to the Chicago Expo and the Pan-American Expo at Buffalo where it won similar prizes. In returning the exhibit back to Thurston county, a portion was lost, and the remainder was given to the county commissioners for exhibit in the courthouse under agreement that the exhibit would not be removed. Commissioner Johnson recognized a collection of cereals on display in another county of that state, labeled as grown in that county. It was the lost portion of Bush's exhibit. When the owners were pressed about where they obtained the exhibit, they claimed to have bought it at a sale of unclaimed freight packages. Johnson got copies of the freight recipes from the railroad showing that the freight had been prepaid to Olympia. The possessors of the lost exhibit agreed to give it up.

The Kimsey Family Reunion

On December 25, 1911 seven brothers and sisters, all pioneers of Oregon and Washington Territory, assembled for the first time in 33 years at their old homestead on Bush prairie. That evening they were served dinner at the old homestead of George Bush and it was the first time the family had Christmas dinner together since 1860, 41 years ago. They had not seen each other since 1878. At the dinner were 31 guests, all who were related to each other.

The family members were; D. S. Kimsey, of Antelope, OR, who was the oldest at 63 years; J. D. Kimsey, of Bush prairie was 59 years old; H. J. Kimsey, of Bush Prairie, was 62 years old; John Shotwell Bush of Bush prairie and son of William Owen Bush, was 49 years old; Mandana Isabelle "Belle" Gaston of Olympia was the daughter of William Owen Bush, was 47 years old; F. P. Kimsey of Antelope, OR was 57 years old; Mrs. V. Burntrager, of Tumwater, was 57 years old. The gathering was considered one of the most notable ever held in Thurston county at the time, not only because of the ages of the family, but because all are natives of the Pacific Northwest and qualified as pioneers.

Bush Prairie News Items 1867 - 1930

On November 23, 1867, Jessie Ferguson was granted permission to make a change in the road between Bush prairie and the Black river. The new alignment commenced at Ferguson's barn and intersected the old road at the northeast corner of Ferguson's fence.

On April 25, 1874 the Olympia Grange had a full meeting that day and 28 new members were initiated to full membership. Delegates from seven granges and many other grange members were treated to a bountiful feast. During the meeting, it was voted to turn out on May 1st to help grade the right-of-way for the Olympia-Tenino railroad across Bush prairie.

On January 2, 1889, the stagecoach from Montesano was held up while crossing Bush prairie 3 miles south of Olympia. The treasure box of the Northeastern Express Company and the mail bags were taken. The bandit wore a mask and had his shoes wrapped. He carried a Winchester rifle and the mail carrier was not armed, which made it easy for him to take the loot and make a getaway. The desperado was never caught.

On November 12, 1897, the Washington Standard said that there was a surprise anniversary party on the 2nd that was held at Washington State Senator T. J. Miller's house on Bush prairie, and that Henry Eckert had put it on. Well this was not entirely true. Yes there was indeed a surprise party, but Henry didn't have anything to do with organizing it. All he did was show up to have a good time and eat the free food. After reading the little news item written in the Standard, Henry must have felt really guilty because he wrote in to tell them they were wrong about him organizing the party. He said;

"In your issue of the 12th, your special correspondent of Bush Prairie, does the ladies of the little community of Belmore a great injustice when he connects me with the management of that very successful surprise and most enjoyable party of a score or more of Senator and Mrs. Miller's friends, who gathered at their residence on the evening of November 2nd, it being the seventh anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Miller. I am glad to be known as one of the number who spent a very pleasant evening in the company of the Senator's family and their many well-wishers, and if your special correspondent had been one of the company he might have readily seen that the most conspicuous part I played was when that bounteous feast was served, at about the midnight hour, and like all present did ourselves most injustice by trying to do justice to one of those surprise party suppers. Kindly give to the ladies of Belmore the credit of giving a genuine surprise party, and your correspondent credit for not having been one of the party. Respectfully, Henry Eckert."

On January 11, 1901 a sample roll of butter from the Bush Prairie Crystal Creamery owned by David T. Drewry, was sent to the Olympia Washington Standard during the holidays and they said it had an exquisite flavor that they felt was quite unique. They were sure that "Dave" had saved up an extra good quality of cream for the sample brick, however they became convinced that it was a fair sample of his regular product.

On Monday evening March 24, 1902, some Weary Willie pressed into service a horse and buggy belonging to the Pioneer Dairy, on Bush prairie. The thief then took off into the night down the highway toward Tenino to catch the train for Portland. The newspaper said that; "Whether or not he rode on the train's brake-beam, is unknown, but it is safe to infer that he adopted that or some other economic device for sliding along in this world of sorrow."

On November 1, 1907, Fred Lewis brought in to Olympia a potato he got from the farm he had recently sold on Bush prairie that weighed 4 pounds 1.75 ounces. It was a Villetta Rose variety.

On Saturday night April 18, 1914, the parents and students of the Bush Prairie School provided an evening of entertainment. They had a candy booth which was well patronized, and lunch was also served. Residents from Brighton Park and South Union attended the party. The proceeds were to help purchase an organ. The next day a very close game of baseball was played between the Bush Rangers and the South Union team. South Union won the game 3 to 2.

On July 24, 1914, Reverend Walmsley gave a stereopticon lecture entitled "The Modern Prodigal" at the Bush Prairie School that evening. During the afternoon at the schoolhouse the next day, Ada M. Voorhies of Olympia gave a talk on health to the mothers and daughters of Bush prairie, and urged them to use natural methods of treating ailments, and to avoid running to the doctor as much as possible. Quite a large crowd attended.

On Saturday night January 30, 1915, a large crowd attended the dance given by the Ayer boys at Bush's hall. It was reported that every one had a good time.

It was on February 3, 1915 when it was asked what did John Bush say when he got drenched trying to plow his field in the hail storm. "Oh he just laughed, and said hail and rain weren't a bit cold."

On April 16, 1915, the wife of David T. Drewry was pleasantly surprised when members of the country club, plus neighbors and friends, had gathered at her home on the afternoon of Wednesday April 14, to help celebrate her 74th birthday. Mrs. C. Ayer presented her with a beautiful bouquet of carnations on behalf of the club. Other gifts were boxes of candy and a beautiful heliotrope plant. The ladies present were; Drewry, Meek, Munn, Langridge, Ayer, January, Bush, Reichel, Kimsey, Hodge, Nelson, Spirlock, and Miss Kjome. the men were; David, Ed and Al Drewry, and M. Underwood. There were 12 children, 6 of whom were grandchildren. They had a delicious lunch and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon. Mrs. Drewry was later presented with a birthday cake made by Mr. and Mrs. E. Hopkins. Later that evening John Bush made a call to wish Mrs. Drewry a happy birthday.

On December 13, 1915, a red cow belonging to R. A. Cook committed suicide on Bush prairie while frisking about when the poor cow hit her head on a wagon wheel which killed her.

On February 4, 1916, fire was discovered in John Bush's home and it was put out before any serious damage occurred. The room where the fire began was newly papered and a tin placed in the chimney flue where there was no stovepipe became overheated, setting the paper which had not been cut away to catch fire. John said it was the third time the house caught on fire from other ways, and he said he was lucky to have escaped.

On February 25, 1916, it was reported that Fred Reichel had a barn raising Friday of last week, and many attended the dance Saturday night.

On March 10, 1916, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were entertained Sunday at John Bush's home. It was a quiet Saturday afternoon with the birds chirping when suddenly a lively crowd of neighbors arrived at the Bush's home and surprised the Crawford's, John and Christena Bush, and M. E. Darby. The group was 50 strong and after they arrived they began singing and dancing. Though it was completely unexpected, they were nevertheless very welcome for the entertainment and everyone had a splendid time.

On April 13, 1917, various residents of Bush prairie reported having seen and heard an "aeroplane" at different times fly over the prairie since last Friday.

On May 25, 1917, the Blue Ribbon Bird club held its regular meeting at the Bush Prairie School. There they discussed different topics and sang the National anthem along with other songs. After which they had lunch and then the group walked over to see a section of the old Cowlitz Trail, which swung away from the Pacific Highway near the monument, and had not yet grown over. After they arrived, a short program of stories and reminiscences was given.

On September 4, 1917, neighbors and friends spent a very pleasant evening at the home of John and Christena Bush as a surprise for their daughter Lowie's 16th birthday. Games and songs were enjoyed by the young folks, and a delicious lunch was served by the hostess. It would be long past the time to go home before anyone could break away.

On February 15, 1921 the interesting card game was given by Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Pittner at their home on Bush prairie, and everyone was there. Mrs. Sheehan and Mrs. Pittner both won the card game and each received an old pair of rubbers as their prize. During the card game, someone said that R. E. Kendal was looking fine after his serious attack of pneumonia, although he needed a shave very badly.

After years of hospitality and generosity toward friends and strangers alike, followed by many more years of hard work in a community full of spirit, had come to its end. It was just before the great depression when it was reported on March 15, 1929, that Thurston county had purchased 214 acres of the old Bush farm for $29,321.92 as a site for a new municipal airport.

The Pacific Highway Through Bush Prairie

Building the roadway across the prairie was easy work since the land is flat with few trees, and there are no stream crossings to contend with. The Pacific Highway just followed the well worn path of the Cowlitz Trail down into Tumwater. In 1878 when the Olympia-Tenino Short Line Railroad was completed, the line was built along side the old road through Bush prairie. 

On October 14, 1913 the Thurston county commissioners had approved a preliminary resolution calling for the improvement of a 2.5 mile stretch of the Pacific Highway south from Tumwater across Bush prairie. This section of the road was known as Permanent Highway No. 5, or the Olympia-Tenino Road. Construction began in 1914 and the highway was realigned through the prairie. The old trail into Tumwater (which followed the railroad tracks) was moved west, and runs in a north-south direction between Gerth St. SW and Dennis St, SE. This gave the highway a slight zigzag effect. South of Dennis Street the old highway ran on today's Bonniewood Drive.

During 1916, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed 11 markers in Western Washington between Puget Sound and the Columbia river along the old road. This was done to commemorate the pioneers who crossed the Oregon Trail and settled in Washington. On September 6, 1916 the third Oregon trail marker was placed on Bush prairie at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and 88th Avenue SE. This is near where George Bush built his home.

In the Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine which was published by the National Society of the D. A. R. in September of 1916, said this about the placing of the markers; "No more fitting memorial can be erected than to mark the old historic trails which were the scenes of their daily toil and heroism. To make permanent these roads is to establish a civilizing influence which bind town and country in mutual welfare, a great element in making the solidarity of the American nation, and in unifying the national spirit. The markers on the Pacific Highway and the fountain at the Vancouver Bridge will appropriately mark the last link of the Oregon Trail and complete the great western highway which George Washington began when he surveyed the "Wilderness Road" for Colonial Virginia."

There were over 250 people who attended the dedication ceremony at the edge of the prairie under the shade of beautiful fir trees. Angie Burt Bowden state regent of the D. A. R. presided and gave a few appropriate remarks. P. D. Moore gave the invocation and George Virtue, former state president of the S. A. R. made the presentation speech. Governor Lister accepted the monument on behalf of the state and made an appeal that the children and citizens honor it. Annie Gaston, great granddaughter of George Bush gave an interesting account of the life of the early settlers, and unveiled the monument. Afterwards, the school children gave their salute to the flag and placed flowers around the marker. The singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" concluded the program.

On July 14, 1919, construction began on the concrete paving of the Pacific Highway from Olympia south across Bush prairie toward Plumb. This construction was completed in 1920. By the end of 1921 the Pacific Highway was a concrete road between Olympia and Tenino.

In 1936, the Pacific Highway was improved though Olympia and all the zig zags were straightened out, and a new 4 lane bridge was constructed over the Des Chutes river. This improvement bypassed the old highway on Bush prairie, now called Bonniewood Drive.

Bush Prairie Today

Today, the Olympia Regional Airport occupies most of the old Bush farm, though a small portion of the old homestead still survives today and is known as the Bush Prairie Farm. In 2009, Mark and Kathleen Clark purchased 5 acres of the old homestead and began to farm the land again.

When the Clark's first bought the land, it was zoned industrial. But through Capital Land Trust, they were able to establish the property as an agricultural easement, which will protect the property as a farm for future generations. The Clark’s goal was to preserve the soil, keep a small farm, and protect the land. Seems like they accomplished their goal.