(Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives)

Anyone who took U.S. history knows about the Oregon Trail and its pivotal role in helping settle the Pacific Northwest during the 19th century.

What you may not have heard is about is the series of markers that famed pioneer Ezra Meeker erected along the trail years after he settled in what is now Puyallup and became a wealthy hop grower and community leader. Meeker placed the markers as he retraced the 2,000-mile trail from west to east.

The first trail marker laid by Meeker is in Tenino, located in southern Thurston County. Located at the intersection of Sussex Avenue and Sheridan Street, the marker has the words “Old Oregon Trail 1845-53” etched in it. The Tenino marker was installed on Feb. 19, 1906.  Above is a photo of nearly everyone in Tenino gathering at the dedication ceremony that day for the new marker. This photo is the first of our three Archives Treasures for September.

More Treasures to come. You’ll have a chance to take part in an online poll at From Our Corner.