How did the Olympia oyster get its name? Though it doesn't own the market share, the Olympia oyster is still grown with pride in some parts of the state. Originally called the native western oyster, it was renamed the Olympia a century ago. As the story goes, after Washington received statehood in 1889, there was rivalry between various parts of the state over the location of the state capital. Olympia had been the territorial capital, but other cities east and west of the Cascade Mountains also put in their claim. The decision was put to a vote. The people of Olympia organized a campaign, and took it to a series of public meetings where they presented arguments favoring Olympia as the state capital. The clincher was an oyster dinner served after the meetings that "created a warmth and friendly spirit." Olympia won the election and from that time on, the oysters were known as Olympia oysters. From: The Rise and Decline of the Olympia Oyster,by E.N. Steele Return to Oysters Are Cool