Monticello Convention facts for kids

The Monticello Convention was a series of two important meetings held in 1851 and 1852. People living in the Oregon Territory wanted to ask the U.S. Congress to divide their large territory into two separate parts. One new territory would be north of the Columbia River and the other would be south of it.

Why People Wanted a New Territory

In the 1840s, many people moved to the northern part of the Oregon Territory. This area was north of the Columbia River. As more people arrived, they started having problems with the government of the Oregon Territory.

The government wasn't providing enough basic services. People needed things like mail delivery, better roads, military protection, and law enforcement. The Oregon Territory government didn't want to spend more money to help these northern settlements.

There were also complaints about the Hudson's Bay Company. This company still owned a lot of the best farmland. Their animals would often wander onto the settlers' properties.

Getting to government services was also a big problem. The main government towns, Oregon City, Oregon and Salem, Oregon, were far away. Traveling there from the northern settlements could take several days. This made people feel cut off and ignored.

The First Spark for Change

On July 4, 1851, citizens gathered in Olympia for Independence Day celebrations. They used this chance to voice their complaints. A settler named Hugh Goldsborough read the Declaration of Independence.

Then, a passionate lawyer named John Chapman gave an inspiring speech. He talked about "the future state of Columbia." His speech encouraged people to elect delegates. These delegates would attend a special meeting at Cowlitz Landing the next month. Cowlitz Landing was near what is now Toledo, in Lewis County.

The Cowlitz Convention of 1851

The first meeting of settlers started on August 29, 1851. It took place at Cowlitz Landing. Their main goal was to write a formal request to Congress. They wanted Congress to create a new territory north of the Columbia River.

Seth Catlin, who used to be a lawmaker in Illinois, was chosen to lead the convention. Over two days, they wrote important documents. These papers explained their demands and why Congress should help them.

The main document was a 1,500-word "Memorial to Congress." It listed all the problems and issues faced by those living north of the Columbia River. The delegates also approved new territory and county borders. They even discussed other parts of local government.

These documents were printed in local newspapers like The Oregonian and the Oregon Spectator. Eventually, they reached Joseph Lane, who was the Governor of the Oregon Territory. The ideas from these delegates were very advanced for their time. For example, they suggested that all men aged 18 and older should be able to vote. This idea didn't become common for another 120 years!

The Monticello Convention of 1852

The second important meeting is where the convention and its request got their name. It happened in the town of Monticello. This town was later destroyed by floods in 1867. Today, its location is within what is now Longview, in Cowlitz County.

People still felt ignored by the Oregon Territory government. So, 44 delegates met again on November 25, 1852. They worked to create and sign another request. This time, they wanted a new territory called Columbia Territory to be officially established.

This new "Memorial" was shorter than the one from Cowlitz. But it was written even better and was quickly approved. After everyone signed it, the petition was sent to Governor Joseph Lane again. He supported the idea and made sure it was sent on to Congress.

Important People Who Signed

Some of the notable people who signed the petition included:

• William Nathaniel Bell
• Peter Crawford
• Arthur A. Denny
• Calvin Henry Hale
• Doc Maynard

The Outcome: Washington Territory is Born

A bill, H.R. 348, was introduced in the House of Representatives. Its purpose was "to establish the territorial government of Columbia." Charles E. Stuart introduced it on January 25, 1853.

There were debates in Congress, but not about whether the bill would pass. The main discussion was about the name of the new territory. Richard H. Stanton, a representative from Kentucky, suggested the name Washington. He wanted to honor George Washington. This would also avoid confusion with the District of Columbia.

The bill's title was changed to "an act to establish the Territorial government of Washington." The House of Representatives passed it on February 10, 1853. The bill then passed the Senate on March 2, 1853, without much discussion.

After 21 months of hard work and campaigning, the bill was signed into law. President Millard Fillmore signed it on March 2, 1853. This bill became known as the Organic Act. It served as the main law for Washington until it became a state in 1889.