Independence Day, Washington Territory

Reading through the earliest newspapers in Washington Territory offers a glimpse into how July 4 was celebrated in the territory during the 1850s.

1852: No newspaper existed in "North Oregon" on July 4, but the first issue of The Columbian in September reprinted an "Oration delivered by D. R. Bigelow at the celebration of the Fourth of July in this city [Olympia]."

1853: The July 9 issue of The Columbian included an article outlining the "Proceedings of the Fourth" in Olympia, which included a sunrise gun salute; a choir performing "America",  "The Star-Spangled Banner", and "Hail Columbia" at the Methodist church; prayers; a reading of the Declaration of Independence; a procession; and an outdoor meal in an arbor by the capitol.

1854: The Pioneer and Democrat described flags flying throughout Olympia, and gun salutes made at dawn, noon, and dusk. However, as the holiday fell on a Sunday, no major events were planned and the day was spent "quietly" and with "utmost propriety." The paper does report that a private group took a pleasure cruise on two ships, and held a ball and supper in the evening.

1855: Per the Pioneer and Democrat, a large party from Olympia gathered at Issac Wood's farm, where they were greeted by a flag flying overhead. A nearby clearing was equipped with seating for 150 people and a speakers' stand for the speeches. Starting at noon, there was a procession led by a band; the reading of the Declaration; an oration; and a large meal with "beef, mutton, roast pig, turkey, chicken, venison, and every vegetable in season," followed by toasts and more speeches.

1856: The July 11 issue of the Pioneer and Democrat reported that the Fourth was observed with a boat trip and picnic, an evening ball, and multiple gun salutes, as well as numerous flags.

1857: There was no coverage in the Pioneer and Democrat. Other museum volunteers claim that no public festivities were held on account of the political situation at the end of the Puget Sound Wars.

1858: Again, the Fourth fell on a Sunday, and was observed as a "quiet Sabbath," with the only public celebration being a sermon by Rev. Whitworth of the Presbyterian Church. However, this year, the Pioneer and Democrat reported more events happening around the day itself: Saturday July 3 apparently started the festivities with a minstrel show and midnight gun salute, which were followed by the burning of tar barrels (?) and a dance on the evening of Monday, July 5.

1859: This year saw a much larger assembly in Olympia, estimated at 1200-1500 attendees. There was again the dawn cannon salute, and in the late morning a procession with the Olympia Band and various fraternal orders in attendance. This ended in a  "shady grove adjacent to the capitol building" for an invocation, an oration, a reading of the declaration, and the band playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Hail Columbia." Another gun salute was fired at noon, followed by a reading of Washington's Farewell Address (noted as a new addition to the festivities) and then a free supper including "roast beef, sheep, shoats, pigs, etc. and as for pies, cakes, etc. there was no end to them." The program concluded with a procession back into town. Later that afternoon, some groups sailed on the sound. More gun salutes followed in the evening, which ended with a firework display and a grand ball.