History of the Washington Legislature

Washington's statehood

"Washington Territory was created in 1853. It was carved out of the Oregon territory and consisted originally of all of what is now Washington and part of Idaho and Montana. President Franklin Pierce appointed Isaac I. Stevens, first territorial governor and he, upon arrival in the territory, called for elections to the legislative assembly which was to consist of a nine-member Council and an eighteen-member House."  from History of the Washington Legislature by Don Brazier

On November 11, 1889 President Benjamin Harrison approved the Constitution and issued a proclamation declaring Washington a state. U.S. Secretary of State James Blaine sent a telegram to Miles Moore, the last territorial governor of Washington stating: "The President signed the proclamation declaring Washington to be a state in the Union at 5:00 and twenty-seven minutes this afternoon. "

Thus began the modern political history of the 42nd State of the Union: Washington.

Legislative history

The Legislature supports the interest in and active collection of the history of the State Senate and House of Representatives. The linked histories are unofficial and are intended to assist professional and amateur historians alike to identify and preserve the stories, customs and traditions of the state legislature.

The publications are the recollections and perspectives of participating organizations and individuals and are not intended as a substitute for an official record of the legislative branch of state government. While every effort is made to keep information accurate and up-to-date, the Legislature is not responsible for the accuracy of this information and welcomes clarifications and corrections.