The Fight to Keep Fort Walla Walla
Congressmen and senators from across the Northwest rally to block the federal abandonment of the historic military post.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The efforts of the Walla Walla Commercial Club in protesting against the abandonment of Fort Walla Walla may result in the retention of the post. The congressional delegations from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon are manifesting interest in the matter. Secretary John H. McDonald of the Commercial Club sent copies of the club's formal remonstrance to Northwest legislators. Congressman J. W. Williamson of Oregon noted that his state had successfully blocked similar efforts to remove the Vancouver fort, stating, 'I shall cheerfully and cordially cooperate with the members from Washington.' Senator C. W. Fulton of Oregon confirmed he had personally protested the abandonment to the War Department, and others, including Congressman W. E. Humphrey of Washington and Senator Fred T. Dubois of Idaho, pledged their support to keep the post active.
“I have your remonstrance and have placed it before the department, and have personally protested against the abandonment of the fort.”
The closure of military facilities remains a perennial anxiety for small cities dependent on federal infrastructure. While Fort Walla Walla is now a city park and museum, the 1904 campaign highlights the historical role of the Commercial Club in shaping regional political influence.
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