1. Enabling Act: On February 22, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison signed the enabling act for Washington Territory, authorizing it to form a state constitution and government.
2. Constitutional Convention: Delegates were elected to the Washington State Constitutional Convention, which convened in Olympia from July 4 to August 22, 1889. The delegates drafted the state's first constitution.
3. Ratification by Voters: On October 1, 1889, Washington's voters approved the state constitution in a special election.
4. Statehood Proclamation: After verifying the election results, President Harrison issued a proclamation on November 11, 1889, declaring Washington's admission to the Union as the 42nd state.
5. Inauguration: On November 20, 1889, John McGraw was inaugurated as the first Governor of Washington state, and other elected state officials took office.