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The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 40, No. 2 20
surveying efforts contributed to the opening of the
west. Graduating first in his class from the United
States Military Academy at West Point, he earned
an appointment to the Corps of Engineers in 1853.
Serving in in this capacity, Stevens gained experience
in engineering and surveying while supervising
construction of a number of eastern coastal fortifica-
tions. He eventually earned command of the US Coast
Survey office in Washington DC. After appointment
as Governor of the Washington Territory in 1853,
Stevens won a government bid to survey a railroad
route across the northern United States. He surveyed
this route between March and November of 1853 as
he traveled to the Washington Territory to assume
his position as Governor in Olympia. The route
surveyed by Stevens and his party became part of the
Northern Pacific Railroad. Stevens wrote a book of his
expedition to the Washington Territory titled “Report
of Explorations for a Route for the Pacific Railroad
near the 47th and 49th Parallels of North Latitude,
from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Puget Sound.”
A one-time surveyor, respected soldier, and a
somewhat controversial governor, Stevens left an
indelible mark on the Northwest. His survey of the
Northern railroad, settlement of Indian treaties,
and support of infrastructure in the northwest
contributed greatly to development and settlement.
Sources conflict with regard to Stevens’ popularity.
While some called for his removal as governor for
his treatment of the tribes, overall he was quite
popular with many people of the territory. Rather
than being removed from office by President
Pierce as some advocated, Stevens was eventually
elected to Congress in 1857 and left the Washington
Territory, never to return. After the start of the Civil
War in 1861, Stevens left congress and rejoined the
army. Isaac Ingalls Stevens was killed at the Battle
of Chantilly while leading a charge against General
Stonewall Jackson on September 1, 1862.
Sources:
Oregon Geographic Names (Sixth Edition)
Wikipedia
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