Fort Walla Walla Museum has invited Isaac Stevens, Washington Territory’s first governor.

Stevens was a controversial figure during his lifetime as well as after. According to historian Kent Richards, “[He] was most often the center of activity, providing leadership, speaking out orders or ideas, or creating controversy. He was a man either loved or hated.”

During his tenure as territorial governor, he believed that he could successfully quell problems between white settlers and the Indian people by negotiating treaties. The treaties of 1855 and 1856 with the Yakima, Umatilla, Nez Perce, Walla Walla, and Cayuse Indians were negotiated in Walla Walla. While meant to establish important rights for Indian people and help maintain their traditions and culture, these treaties led to territory outside of reservations being populated by white settlers from the eastern part of the United States.

Governor Isaac Stevens will be portrayed by Ron Klicker. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions to our Living History reenactors.