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| Year | Stories |
|---|---|
| 1854 | 53 |
| 1858 | 2 |
| 1859 | 6 |
| 1860 | 12 |
| 1861 | 60 |
| 1862 | 65 |
| 1863 | 44 |
| 1871 | 1 |
| 1872 | 14 |
| 1876 | 10 |
| 1877 | 12 |
| 1878 | 8 |
| 1879 | 4 |
| 1880 | 1 |
| 1882 | 4 |
| 1883 | 39 |
| 1884 | 12 |
| 1885 | 19 |
| 1886 | 11 |
| 1887 | 9 |
| 1888 | 6 |
| 1889 | 58 |
| 1890 | 8 |
| 1891 | 218 |
| 1892 | 194 |
| 1893 | 111 |
| 1894 | 19 |
| 1895 | 112 |
| 1897 | 2 |
| 1899 | 1 |
| 1902 | 1 |
| 1903 | 24 |
| 1904 | 6 |
| 1905 | 1 |
| 1908 | 1 |
| 1909 | 95 |
| 1910 | 7 |
| 1911 | 11 |
| 1912 | 4 |
| 1914 | 11 |
| 1915 | 8 |
| 1916 | 11 |
| 1917 | 3 |
| 1919 | 1 |
| 1922 | 1 |
| 1923 | 13 |
| 1924 | 4 |
| 1925 | 10 |
1,327 stories
- The Battle for the Capitol Library
Acting-Governor Henry McGill blocks the removal of the Territorial Library to Vancouver, citing conflicting laws and an ongoing federal dispute over the Seat of Government.
- The Unpopular Appointment of B. F. Kendall
Public outcry swells across Washington Territory against the controversial selection of a local lawyer as the new Indian Superintendent.
- The Mail Carriage Dispute
Citizens of Olympia clash with their local postmaster over a controversial contract, suspecting graft in the transport of official mail.
- Washington Territory’s Wartime Blueprint
Governor William H. Wallace outlines a vision for the territory’s future while railing against 'peace men' and traitors amid the Civil War.
- Territorial Superintendent Critiques School Spending
A report to the Legislature highlights the tension between building a university and funding basic district schools in 1862.
- The Partisan Brawl of 1862
A scathing editorial laments the Olympia legislature's refusal to pass loyalty resolutions, accusing lawmakers of secret disloyalty to the Union cause.
- Stagecoach Plunges into McAllister’s Creek
A bridge collapse during a routine transit near Steilacoom leaves passengers shaken but miraculously uninjured.
- Portland Press Labels Washington Territory Disloyal
A neighboring newspaper warns Olympia that unless the territory proves its Unionist fervor, federal support and favors will remain out of reach.
- The Business of Mourning in the Civil War
As the casualty lists from the front lines grew, the private industry of embalming rose to meet a grim public need in Olympia and across the nation.
- The Speakerless Session: A Legislative Standoff
After seventeen ballots and tense debates over legal swearing-in procedures, the Territorial House finally elects a Speaker.
- Volunteers Needed for War Against Snake Indians
Recruiting efforts underway in Olympia for the Oregon Cavalry to secure frontier routes and retaliate against ongoing raids.
- Olympia Celebrates the Turning Point of the Civil War
Upon receiving news of Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, the capital of Washington Territory erupted in days of wild, illuminated celebration.
- The Temperance Fight Hits Local Garrisons
Legislators move to ban saloons near military homes, targeting Orting and Puget Sound shipyards in a sweeping dry campaign.
- Medical Lobby Drops Fight Against Osteopaths
After intense lobbying against the Beach bill, the Pierce County Medical Association abruptly reverses course, paving the way for osteopaths to join the state board of medical examiners.
- The Sergeant-at-Arms Breaks a Representative's Nose
A legislative debt dispute turns violent on the floor of the Washington House, leading to a physical brawl and a public reprimand.
- Legislative Turf Wars in the Early Days
Despite attempts to smear the new leadership as corrupt, the first Legislative Assembly of Washington Territory successfully organized its houses in Olympia.
- A.A. Denny Challenges Ambiguous Indigenous Voting Law
A territorial legislator objected to unclear rules for Indigenous enfranchisement, warning that local election judges would decide voter eligibility inconsistently.
- Celebrating the Lunar New Year in 1863
Olympia's Chinese residents celebrated the New Year with traditional firecrackers and tea, an occasion marked by a local editor with a mix of curiosity and cultural commentary.
- Political Conflict in an Olympia Classroom
A student is driven from school after being bullied for his vocal support of the Union.
- A Historic First for Washington Electors
Mrs. Samuel G. Cosgrove becomes the first woman in the nation to deliver a state’s electoral votes to Washington, D.C.
- Accusations of Corruption in State Capitol Planning
The Walla Walla Statesman warns that a proposed constitutional amendment is a front for a 'boodler' syndicate in Olympia.
- Legislators Duck 'Wife Beater' Bill
Public ridicule stops lawmakers from sponsoring a measure to punish domestic abusers.
- Tumwater Fights for Political Survival
Threatened by the expansionist ambitions of neighboring cities, Tumwater moves to reincorporate to protect its territorial autonomy.
- Political Seances in the Capital
Olympia’s socialites visit a trance medium to divine the outcome of a heated senatorial fight.
- Riot and Revelry at the Capitol
As the legislative session in Olympia concluded, members engaged in a chaotic scramble to loot furniture and equipment from the chambers.