Washington's history as a territory
The Territory of Washington was established in 1853 and provided a framework of government for the territory until it became a state in 1889.
Establishing territorial government (the Organic Act)
Washington became a territory in 1853 through the passage of a law called an organic act, which was passed by the United States Congress. Read the full text of the organic act to learn more.
Territorial laws and members
Territorial timeline
Visit the Secretary of State's timeline of voting and elections in Washington to learn more about the history of the Territory of Washington.
Laws, memorials, and resolutions
Index to the laws, memorials, and resolutions passed by the Washington Territorial Legislature from 1853-1887.
Index to territorial laws
Alphabetical list of territorial laws.
Memorials and resolutions of the territorial legislature
Listed by year and document number.
Index to memorials
Alphabetical list of territorial memorials.
Territorial members
A list of all the representatives serving from the first session in 1854 to the eleventh biennial session in 1887. During this time, those serving represented different counties in the Territory of Washington.
Photos of territorial assemblies
Includes photos and rosters from the 1889 Constitutional Convention.
Territorial seal
Al-ki or Alki is a Native American word meaning "bye and bye." This motto first appeared on the territorial seal designed by Lieutenant. J.K. Duncan of Governor Steven's surveying expedition. On one side it pictures a log cabin in forest; on the other side, a city in the background; the Goddess of Hope and an anchor is in the center. The goddess points at the word "Alki."
