1853 Census: First census of Washington Territory counts a population (exluding Indians) of 3,965 in 1853.

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In late summer or fall of 1853, United States Marshall J. Anderson has the responsibility of taking the first census in Washington Territory. He counts a population of 3,965, of which there are 1,682 males eligible to vote. The census is conducted to establish legislative districts for the Territorial Legislature. It excludes Indians, who are far more numerous than settlers.

Only white males over 21 who had resided in the Territory for six months and were citizens or had declared their intention to become naturalized citizens could vote.

The future Washington Territory (later state) was part of Oregon Territory until March 2, 1853, when U.S. President Millard Fillmore signed a bill creating Washington Territory. Oregon Territory conducted a census in 1849 and counted 304 residents living north of the Columbia River (the area of the future Washington). In 1850, the U.S. Census counted 1,049 settlers in north Oregon. The population was located along the Columbia River concentrated at Fort Vancouver, along the Cowlitz River, at the head of Budd Inlet (the future site of Olympia), and near Fort Nisqually.

At the time of the census, Washington Territory had eight counties. Following is a list of the counties, giving total settler population and number of eligible voters (white males over 21).

Clarke County population 1,134, voters 466
Thurston County population 996, voters 381
Lewis County population 616, voters 239
Pierce County population 513, voters 276
Island County population 195, voters 80
Jefferson County population 189, voters 68
King County population 170, voters 111
Pacific County population 152, voters 61

Sources:
Thomas W. Prosch, "A Chronological History of Seattle From 1850 to 1897," Typescript dated 1900-1901, Northwest Collection, University of Washington Library, Seattle, 39; Clinton A. Snowden, History of Washington: The Rise and Progress of an American State (New York: The Century History Company, 1909), Vol. 2, pp. 442, 443; Vol. 3, pp. 211, 220.
Note: This essay was revised slightly on November 1, 2006.

By Greg Lange, January 01, 2001

Yesler's house and elevated water system at 1st Avenue and Cherry St., looking east in one of the oldest surviving photographs of pioneer Seattle, ca. 1859
Photo by E. A, Clark, Courtesy UW Special Collections

Fort Vancouver, 1854
Courtesy UW Special Collections (Neg. No. WAS03073)

Fort Walla Walla, formerly Fort Nez Perce (1818), Columbia River, 1853
Engraving by John Mix Stanley, Courtesy UW Special Collections (Neg. NA4169)