Here are preliminary maps and lists of racial restrictive covenants for Olympia and Thurston County. Combing through county property records we have uncovered deeds and other documents containing restrictions that apply to more than 1,500 properties. Our work is not finished, so this is meant to be suggestive, not definitive. Racial restrictions were imposed by many developers and neighborhood associations in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s. They remain part of property records today, although since 1968, discrimination on the basis of race has been illegal. The links below lead to three pages featuring different kinds of maps, lists, and information that show the prevalence of restrictive covenants. We will be adding additional information in the months ahead.
