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| Year | Stories |
|---|---|
| 1854 | 53 |
| 1858 | 1 |
| 1859 | 7 |
| 1860 | 13 |
| 1861 | 59 |
| 1862 | 65 |
| 1863 | 46 |
| 1871 | 1 |
| 1872 | 14 |
| 1876 | 9 |
| 1877 | 11 |
| 1878 | 7 |
| 1879 | 3 |
| 1882 | 3 |
| 1883 | 36 |
| 1884 | 11 |
| 1885 | 18 |
| 1886 | 10 |
| 1887 | 9 |
| 1888 | 6 |
| 1889 | 57 |
| 1890 | 8 |
| 1891 | 221 |
| 1892 | 194 |
| 1893 | 107 |
| 1894 | 18 |
| 1895 | 113 |
| 1897 | 2 |
| 1899 | 1 |
| 1902 | 1 |
| 1903 | 23 |
| 1904 | 5 |
| 1905 | 1 |
| 1908 | 1 |
| 1909 | 94 |
| 1910 | 7 |
| 1911 | 11 |
| 1912 | 4 |
| 1914 | 11 |
| 1915 | 8 |
| 1916 | 11 |
| 1917 | 3 |
| 1919 | 1 |
| 1922 | 1 |
| 1923 | 13 |
| 1924 | 2 |
| 1925 | 10 |
1,310 stories
- 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 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.
- The Looming Legislative War Over Temperance
A local editor warns that stalling on the anti-saloon 'local option' bill will only lead to future political ruin for state lawmakers.
- Washington Territory Declares Loyalty to the Union
Legislators in the newly formed territory pass formal resolutions condemning secession and the proposed Pacific Confederacy on the eve of the Civil War.
- The Silent Hours at the State Capitol
A local labor newspaper questions the integrity of the state labor commissioner, accusing him of ignoring labor violations to serve his political masters.
- 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.
- Two Convicts Escape Thurston County Jail
A pair of prisoners utilized a stolen bolt to force their cell door open and escape custody Saturday night.
- An Editor Steps Down Amidst Political Intrigue
James Lodge defends his reputation after withdrawing from the Pioneer and Democrat, denying secret negotiations with Republican rivals.
- The War on Cigarettes
A new, stringent state law bans the possession of cigarette papers and wrappers, sparking debate over government overreach.
- Allegations of Land Office Fraud
A citizen accuses political candidate S. Garfielde of withholding land certificates and pocketing fees during his time as a receiver of public moneys.
- The Constitutional Debt Fight
As the constitutional convention debates municipal debt limits, local editors fear Oregon-style fiscal conservatism will hinder growth.
- Legislators Behaving Badly
Lawmakers attending a local performance in Olympia disrupt the show, casting doubt on their suitability for office.
- Lawmakers Mocked for 'Infra Dig' Stationery and Cutlery
Legislators receive low-quality office supplies, sparking protests, ridicule, and a formal proposal to donate the cheap jack-knives to a butcher's association.
- The Case of the Missing Territorial Library Books
A government official alleges that a man named William Pickering purloined two packages of library books intended for public use.
- Call for Cavalry Volunteers to Fight 'Snake Indians'
The federal government initiates a recruitment drive for the First Regiment of Oregon Cavalry to serve on the frontier, citing a need to address attacks on immigrants.
- The 'Million Dollar' Legislature
A scathing critique of Washington's early state legislative sessions highlights the 'million-dollar' waste and the reputation for incompetence plaguing the new state government.
- Accusations of Corruption Against the Gubernatorial Nominee
The Herald levels harsh criticisms against Republican gubernatorial candidate John McGraw, citing a past career marked by alleged scandal and 'vice'.
- Doctors Clash at the Capitol Over Medical Practice Regulations
Legislative battle brewing as 'regular' medical associations face scrutiny over anti-competition rules against lodge-contracted doctors.
- Mystery Developer Promises Electric Rail Connection to Capital
A man named C. T. Morck seeks franchises for an electric railway between Tacoma and Olympia, putting up a $10,000 bond.
- Pierce County Doctors Lobby State Capital
Tacoma physicians travel to Olympia to push for medical reciprocity and challenge the legitimacy of osteopathic boards.
- Olympia Prepares for the Rail Boom
As the territorial legislature pauses, a correspondent observes Olympia shaking off its sleepy, pioneer atmosphere in anticipation of a new railroad to Gray's Harbor.
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