Tumwater — The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission on May 27 urged the City Council to approve a program of signs and monuments to make local historic routes and places more visible, including markers for the College Trail segment of the Oregon Trail, historic Highway 99 (State Road 1/Pacific Highway), and a monument denoting the 47th Parallel.

The commission’s proposal, presented by longtime commission member and former councilor Dave McCandry, asks the city to place directional icons and “Historic Route 1” plaques at gateway points, along Bonniewood Drive and Second Avenue, near the airport oak tree and at Tumwater Falls Park, and to consider a 47th Parallel monument on a Trosper Road traffic circle. Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denny told the council the commission “was unanimously supportive and very excited about this presentation and the projects that it outlines and voted to send it to the city council for further review and hopefully, in the end, support to move these projects forward.”

The proposal includes three linked elements: interpretive signage marking the College Trail (a local segment linked in McCandry’s research to the Cowlitz Trail), an overlay of historic state-highway signage identifying the city’s place on the Pacific Highway/old US‑99 corridor, and a monument noting the 47th Parallel where it crosses Trosper/Prosper Road. McCandry also suggested adapting the city’s historic iconography to acknowledge George and Isabella Bush, early pioneers who settled in the area in 1845, and to reflect the couple’s interracial partnership.

Why it matters: McCandry said the markers would create “readily accessible” history and teach residents and visitors about Tumwater’s role in regional migration and transportation. He also said a National Park Service study has recommended the College Trail segment for inclusion in the National Historic Trail system — a change that would require an act of Congress — and that interim, locally placed signs could preserve public memory while the federal process proceeds.

Details and next steps: McCandry described proposed placements: historic-route signage at the city’s south gateway, marker panels at the oak tree by the Olympia Regional Airport (one northbound and one southbound), panels on Bonniewood Drive adjacent to Peter G. Schmidt School, markers on Second Avenue near Michael T. Simmons Elementary, and interpretive panels in Tumwater Falls Park.

He also proposed adapting Highway 99 (Historic Route 1) brown signage and placing “1M” variant markers on Little Rock Road; noted Tumwater’s historical link as the start point for U.S. 101 near Deschutes Parkway; and suggested the city consider a 47th Parallel monument sponsored by community groups such as Rotary.

Funding and scope: Denny said the historical commission’s budget likely can cover the proposed Highway 99/College Trail signs, but the 47th‑Parallel monument “is far beyond what we have budgeted for right now.” He said the commission has discussed private sponsorship and outreach to community organizations to fund larger monuments and that staff will work with transportation staff and the city’s budget process to scope placement, design and cost.

Council response: Multiple council members praised the idea during the work session. Council member Dollhoff said, “I am personally a big fan, and I'm in full support of this idea about places and spaces because it opens up the conversation for other stories.” Council member Jefferson called the presentation “timely” and “needed,” and other council members urged staff to return with placement options, costs and community‑engagement plans.

Discussion vs. decision: Council did not adopt an ordinance or make a funding commitment at the meeting. The commission forwarded its proposal to the council for review; council members expressed support and asked staff to refine siting, design and funding options. Denny said staff will coordinate with transportation staff and other departments before returning with specifics.

Background: McCandry framed the proposal with historical maps and overlays that link modern road alignments — including old Highway 99 and segments near the airport oak tree — with 19th‑century routes. He referenced township plat maps and research by Dave Welch of the Oregon‑California Trail Association to trace the trail’s alignment into Tumwater Falls Park and the Newmarket settlement. McCandry told the council the College Trail segment’s national designation is under study by the National Park Service but that federal designation requires congressional action.

What’s next: Staff will work with transportation and budget staff on placement, permitting and cost estimates and return to council with a more detailed implementation plan and funding options. No formal timeline or appropriation was adopted at the session.