Climb into the history of Washington State as we talk with Art Thiel about what makes the mountains so special. We'll explore the legacy of legendary climbers like Jim Whittaker and Fred Beckey, and discover how this region became a hub for outdoor innovation, giving rise to iconic brands like REI.

This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Art Thiel.

Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes:

• The Northwest's Influence on the Growth of Wilderness Recreation by Peter LeSourd
• Becky, Fred (1923-2017) by Peter Blecha
• Whittaker, James W. (b. 1929) by Glenn Drosendahl

Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode:

• REI — Part 1 (1938-1970) by Rita Cipalla
• REI — Part 2 (1971-2025) by Rita Cipalla

For more from Art Thiel, visit:

• SportsPressNW.com

For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the:

• HistoryLink.org Podcast Page

In this episode, dive into the rich history of the Yakima Valley. We'll uncover how the Valley's landscape was shaped not just by agriculture, but by distinct waves of immigration from diverse communities, and how it has become a powerful hub of political and cultural activism.

This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Gonzalo Guzmán.

Resource Library

Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes:

• Wapato - It's History and Hispanic Heritage by Gonzalo Guzmán
• Chicano Movement in Washington: Political Activism in the Puget Sound and Yakima Valley Regions, 1960s-1980s by Oscar Rosales Castaneda
• Thousands march streets of Seattle and Yakima in support of immigrants' rights on May 1, 2006 by Oscar Rosales Castaneda

For further reading, check out:

• Granger - Thumbnail History by Alan J. Stein
• Yakima County - Thumbnail History by Paula Becker
• Bracero Program: Crossing the Border to a New Life by History Day Award Winner Cameron Holt
• Radio KDNA goes on the air in the Yakima Valley in December 1979 by Oscar Rosales Castaneda

Find the full collection of HistoryLink articles written by Gonzalo Guzmán here.

For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the:

• HistoryLink.org Podcast Page

Explore the story of the mighty Douglas Fir 🌲—from its mouse-tail cone legend and 7,000-year history in the Puget Lowland to its key, and sometimes controversial, role in shaping the landscape and lumber boom of Washington state.

This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest David B. Williams.

Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes:

• Washington Icon: The Douglas Fir by David B. Williams
• The Mineral Tree, a 393-foot Douglas fir in Lewis County, falls in 1930 by David B. Williams
• Modern plant communities in the Puget lowland begin to thrive around 7,000 years ago by David B. Williams

Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode:

• David Douglas arrives at Fort Vancouver to begin two years of botanical exploration on April 20, 1825 by Kit Oldham
• Tyee Creek Fire burns 135,000 acres for 33 days north of Wenatchee, beginning on July 24, 1994 by David Wilma
• Northgate Center lights the world's tallest Christmas tree — a 212-foot Douglas fir — on November 24, 1950 by Phil Dougherty

For more from David B. Williams check out:

• www.GeologyWriter.com
• The Street Smart Naturalist podcast
• Articles written for HistoryLink

For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the:

• HistoryLink.org Podcast Page