George Washington Bush was one of the five pioneering families and two bachelors that crossed to the north of the Columbia River in 1845 and made the first permanent American settlement in the area which in known today as Washington State. Not only was he one of the pioneering families that made the journey across the plains, he and his family were one of the first African American families to settle in Washington State. The Washington State Senate recognized George Washington Bush and his son, William Owen, for the contributions they made to the early settlement of Washington Territory and Washington State.
From the description of Bush family papers, 1856-1939. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 299615919
