The Great Emigration Heist: How Oregon and California Stole Washington’s Future

The Washington Immigration Society, organized in Olympia in 1875, has compiled a damning report on the state of territorial growth. While the Board successfully attracted approximately 4,000 new residents last year—2,000 to Eastern Washington, 500 along the Columbia River, and 1,500 on Puget Sound—they attribute much of their success despite fierce competition from neighboring states.

The report highlights a disturbing trend: emigrant agents from Oregon and California are intercepting settlers in San Francisco before they can reach Washington. A colony of 20 people from Nebraska, who had corresponded with the Board and decided to move to Washington Territory, arrived in San Francisco only to be 'immediately interviewed' by rival agents. These agents spread alarmist tales of 'thirteen months rain in a year,' 'impenetrable forests,' and 'sterile plains.' The psychological warfare worked; 19 of the 20 settlers turned back or were diverted to California and Oregon. Only one man bravely persisted, arriving safely at the Board's office to recount the story.

Hon. L.B. Hastings, a member of the Board, noted that while many emigrants preferred Washington Territory, 'the expense of the journey and the time consumed in getting here is a great obstacle.' The Board argues that without sufficient funds to employ an agent in San Francisco to direct their own immigrants, they will continue to lose population to rival territories. They are now petitioning the Legislative Assembly for more money, specifically requesting funds to publish a general map, which they claim is the most requested item by intending immigrants.