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| Year | Stories |
|---|---|
| 1854 | 62 |
| 1858 | 29 |
| 1859 | 52 |
| 1860 | 27 |
| 1861 | 101 |
| 1862 | 87 |
| 1863 | 69 |
| 1864 | 32 |
| 1865 | 11 |
| 1871 | 11 |
| 1872 | 140 |
| 1876 | 812 |
| 1877 | 678 |
| 1878 | 526 |
| 1879 | 64 |
| 1880 | 180 |
| 1882 | 130 |
| 1883 | 911 |
| 1884 | 499 |
| 1885 | 838 |
| 1886 | 492 |
| 1887 | 484 |
| 1888 | 440 |
| 1889 | 1,324 |
| 1890 | 287 |
| 1891 | 1,115 |
| 1892 | 2,855 |
| 1893 | 2,829 |
| 1894 | 2,116 |
| 1895 | 1,830 |
| 1896 | 2 |
| 1897 | 62 |
| 1898 | 196 |
| 1899 | 446 |
| 1900 | 114 |
| 1902 | 34 |
| 1903 | 1,332 |
| 1904 | 1,126 |
| 1905 | 124 |
| 1907 | 53 |
| 1908 | 351 |
| 1909 | 1,545 |
| 1910 | 413 |
| 1911 | 160 |
| 1912 | 73 |
| 1914 | 261 |
| 1915 | 300 |
| 1916 | 545 |
| 1917 | 332 |
| 1918 | 45 |
| 1919 | 5 |
| 1920 | 1 |
| 1922 | 18 |
| 1923 | 185 |
| 1924 | 151 |
| 1925 | 64 |
| 1928 | 14 |
| 1929 | 19 |
62 stories
- Territorial Road Building: Public Duty or Private Profit?
Early Washington legislators debate the morality of state-funded road construction that prioritizes commercial routes over local infrastructure.
- The Fight for Indigenous Names on Territorial Maps
A territorial legislator argues that replacing English place names with Indigenous ones will stop mail from being misdirected and honor the region's history.
- The Struggle to Become a Citizen and a Tradesman
A legislator argues that the Donation Land Law is forcing tradesmen into failed farming careers, harming the region's economy.
- The Temperance Crusade Comes to Olympia
A prominent attorney argues for a 'Maine Liquor Law' to suppress the liquor trade in Washington Territory.
- The Special Agent's Plea for Peace
Michael T. Simmons, newly appointed Indian Agent, calls for an end to liquor sales and unauthorized violence in the Puget Sound region.
- The Fight Over Suffrage for Mixed-Race Citizens
Territorial legislators debate whether citizens of mixed white and Indigenous heritage should be granted the right to vote.
- The 1854 Territorial Criminal Code
A comprehensive look at the foundational laws of Washington Territory, detailing everything from murder and manslaughter to the prohibition of kidnapping and coerced servitude.
- The Pioneer Argument Against Prohibition
An 1854 speech by legislator Mr. Chenoweth argues that legal coercion is a poor substitute for individual morality in the fight against intemperance.
- The First Legislative Assembly of Washington Territory Adjourns
After intense deliberation and the drafting of a new legal code, Washington’s first territorial lawmakers closed their session in Olympia.
- The Rule of Law in the Wild West
A deep dive into the 1854 Washington Territorial legal code governing criminal trials, bail, and the rights of the accused.
- Establishing the People’s Court
Legislative action mandates the election of local probate judges to manage wills, estates, and guardianship for the Territory.
- The Struggle for Deep Water in Old Olympia
Boosterism meets the reality of geography as a local entrepreneur attempts to build a deep-water wharf to secure Olympia's economic future.
- The Governor’s Ultimatum on Indigenous Land
Governor Isaac I. Stevens issues a public warning regarding unauthorized settlement on lands reserved for Indigenous use.
- A Warning to Settlers on the Nisqually Reservation
Federal agents move to enforce strict control over timber and property rights on Indigenous land.
- Territorial Turf Wars: Defending Governor Stevens
A heated dispute between the Pioneer and The Oregonian over legislative representation and political representation in early Washington Territory.
- The Unfilled Chair
The Washington Territorial Legislature pauses in solemn tribute following the sudden death of a pioneer lawmaker.
- The First Territorial Legislature Debates Statehood Infrastructure
Lawmakers in 1854 wrestle with the practicalities of building a new government, from authorizing ferries across the Columbia to navigating relations with Governor Isaac Stevens.
- The Gold Fever Strikes Steilacoom
A local citizen hits a pocket of gold, sparking a frantic rush among town residents.
- The Struggle for Temperance in the New Territory
Legislators in the newly formed Washington Territory debate a strict 'Maine-style' liquor law, aiming to build a moral foundation for the burgeoning frontier society.
- Legislative Debate Over Land Rights for Discharged Soldiers
Olympia lawmakers clash over proposed land grants for discharged soldiers, fearing corporate land speculation.
- The Futility of Prohibition
A skeptical legislator warns that strict alcohol bans in Washington Territory will lead only to evasion, black markets, and public distrust.
- Prospectors Return From the Wild Olympics
An exploration party recounts the rugged terrain and gold-bearing quartz found near the head of the Hood Canal.
- Olympia Named Temporary Seat of Government
The Council debates and finalizes the definition of judicial districts, securing Olympia's status as the provisional capital.
- Surveying the Mullan Trail
Lieutenant Mullan completes a successful survey of a new mountain route, paving the way for immigration and rail in the Pacific Northwest.
- The Art of Professional Loafing
A satirical exchange in the Olympia Democratic about the 'Loafer Club' and the perils of career advice in the frontier.