Beginning in 1849, the United States Army garrisoned a series of forts throughout the Oregon Territory. In 1853, the Washington Territory was established and the Army was to play a crucial role in the security and defense of the region throughout it’s Territorial Period (1853-1889). During the Civil War, some Regular Army troops were sent in California or to units in the East. However, several companies were retained in the Washington Territory to provide security and to assist the local volunteer units. This exhibit features artifacts which are typical of those used by both U.S. Army troops and Territorial Volunteers during this important era of Washington's history.

Top-to-bottom:

• MODEL 1861 SPECIAL RIFLE MUSKET, .58 caliber Conical Minie Ball. Manufactured by Colt Patent Firearms Company This arm was built partly on machinery made for British Enfield long arms. The term "Special" refers to the exemption by the government to building the arm to the identical design to the Model 1861 Rifle Musket manufactured at the Springfield Arsenal.
• MODEL 1855 BAYONET. This bayonet was used on many different Rifled Musket models from 1855-1870
• MODEL 1842 RIFLE MUSKET, .69 caliber Conical Minie Ball. Originally a smooth bore percussion musket. Many were rifled and given long range rear sights in the mid 1850s. This and the M1841 rifle below were the first infantry arms manufactured in the percussion system for the Army.
• MODEL 1816 RIFLE MUSKET (TYPE I), .69 caliber Conical Minie Ball. A contract arm made by M T. Wickham. It was originally a flintlock arm. This example has been modernized with a long-range rear sight and a percussion conversion patent breech section. The Hewes & Phillips Co. of Newark, NJ, altered about 20,000 guns from flintlock to percussion between 1861-1863.
• MODEL 1855 RIFLE, .58 caliber Conical Minie Ball. One of the most attractive arms produced by the National Armory at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. The patented Maynard Tape priming system was designed for this rifle and the longer, rifled musket of the same style. This pattern is what the regular Army used at the outbreak of the Civil War.
• MODEL 1855 SABER BAYONET. Brass mounted bayonet with the M1855 Rifle and the M1841 Rifle conversion.
• MODEL 1819 HALL'S PATENT BREECH-LOADING RIFLE, .54 caliber round ball. Manufactured at the National Armory at Harper's Ferry.
• WHITNEY PLYMOUTH NAVY RIFLE. This rifle was designed in accordance with the recommendations of Admiral John A. Dahlgren for use aboard the U.S.S. Plymouth. Eventually other sailors were issued the weapon for use on both ship and shore duty. It had a heavy .69 caliber barrel with a lug for attaching a saber bayonet. Naval personnel have played a key role in the history of Puget Sound.