Washington Territory Created, 1853
During the 1830s and 1840s, Americans & Europeans went west in search of a better life.
- There was conflict over land because Indian people already lived in the Oregon Territory.
American ownership determined by Oregon Treaty of 1846.
Donation Act of 1850 gave land to settlers.
In 1852, De Smet & Haverty (Superintendent of Indian Affairs) discussed the Indian issue -
- “… that they will gradually melt away as the wave of the White population advances.”
Oregon Trail immigrants led to the creation of Washington Territory in 1853.