1889 Ballot Pairs Capital Site With Suffrage and Prohibition
North Yakima lobbies to become the permanent seat of government as the territory prepares for statehood.
The story, cleaned up
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The constitution to be submitted to the people at the coming election provides for the popular vote on woman suffrage, prohibition, and the permanent location of the seat of government. The location of the capital is one of vital importance. It appears there will be three leading candidates: Olympia, North Yakima, and Ellensburgh. Olympia has had the seat of government for a good many years, and is somewhat isolated from prospective transportation lines; this is to a considerable extent true of Ellensburgh. North Yakima is centrally located and as accessible as any town in the territory; it has the prospect of railroad connections which renders it extremely desirable as the seat of government. The Vancouver, Klickitat and Yakima railroad, when completed, will give Vancouver direct connection with North Yakima. We may anticipate a lively campaign for capital honors.
“North Yakima is centrally located and as accessible as any town in the territory.”
In 1889, North Yakima was a young, ambitious city vying for the prestige and economic windfall of being the state capital. Today, while Olympia remains the seat of power, the debate over urban growth, transportation infrastructure, and regional influence continues to shape Yakima's civic identity.
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