Tenino Sandstone Chosen as Washington’s Contribution to National Capitol Time Capsule

TENINO, WA – A unique slab of Tenino sandstone, hand-carved with the words “Washington – The Evergreen State,” is set to become the state’s official representative in a time capsule destined for the U.S. Capitol. The artistic piece was meticulously crafted by local stonemasonry experts to symbolize the region’s rich geological and artistic heritage.

This project, coordinated by state officials and the Capitol Preservation Commission, aims to capture the essence of America in the 2020s. Each state was invited to submit a small, durable artifact that reflects its natural resources, culture, or historical narrative. Washington’s submission leans heavily on its deep-rooted connection to the earth, bypassing more conventional symbols like apples or aerospace in favor of a raw, tangible piece of the state’s landscape.

The selected carving, roughly the size of a textbook, is hewn from the famous Tenino sandstone quarries. For over a century, this specific stone has been a staple of Pacific Northwest architecture, known for its warm, golden hue and workability. The stone was shaped and inscribed at the Tenino-based Quarry House, a hub for local artisans dedicated to preserving this nearly lost craft. “It is more than just a rock,” said a spokesperson for the project, “it is a testament to the hands and history of our community.”

The time capsule, currently in its planning stages, is scheduled to be sealed within the Capitol complex in a public ceremony later this year. It will remain unopened for at least fifty years, providing future generations with a candid snapshot of American life and craftsmanship. For Tenino, a small town known for its stone, this honor solidifies its legacy as not just a source of building materials, but as a place of artistic significance that will now endure under the national dome.