Territorial Timeline

Marshall Moore appointed governor by President Andrew Johnson

In 1867 President Andrew Johnson appointed Marshall Moore governor of Washington Territory. Although the U.S. Senate refused to ratify almost all of Johnson's appointments (including George E. Cole, Johnson's previous choice for the position), they could hardly refuse Moore, a hero of the Civil War.

After the close of the Civil War there was increased interest in the West. Expansion and progress were the themes of Moore's term as he supported the improvement of transportation and communication systems throughout the territory. These included the construction of improved wagon roads and the establishment of steamboat lines on the Cowlitz, Chehalis and Lewis rivers.

Washington Territory prospered under Moore’s term. In the Puget Sound area the lumber industry was producing over four million board feet per year, and the wheat lands around Walla Walla harvested over a million bushels annually. When the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, Moore saw an opportunity for Washington not only to take the lead in development of Alaska but also to lead the development of trade throughout the Pacific Rim.

Marshall Moore was a visionary who saw a great future for Washington. Unfortunately, he did not live to see much of it realized. He died in Olympia in 1870.