Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, June 20,1975, Governors' Negative Collection, Washington State Archives

In 1975, as the Bicentennial of the American Revolution neared, people began planning events to mark the occasion. One such event was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, a network of five covered wagon trains that would pass through each state along well-known historic trails. Organized by the Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commission, the trails were designed to converge together at the Valley Forge National Historic Park to celebrate on July 4th, 1976.

The Northwest Route tracing the Oregon Trail began in Blaine, Washington on June 8th, 1975. Along the way, the wagons trains reenacted not only the journey but its hardships as well. Two men were reported to have died by the Associated Press between Blaine and Fort Laramie, Wyoming, with many participants and animals falling ill. Newspapers claimed that the Washington Wagon lost its’ blacksmiths over disagreements with how the wagons were run.

Along the wagon train’s various trails, several groups indigenous activists used the national publicity to demand their rights. At multiple points in Washington, the train was protested to advocate for Federal recognition and demand treaty fishing rights be honored. Formed at Frank’s Landing in Nisqually, Washington, the Survival of American Indians Association staged a counter wagon train to demand basic changes from the President and Congress in Washington D.C. The group’s “Trail of Self Determination” followed a week behind the Bicentennial Wagon Train as to avoid disruptions.

Over a year since its journey began, Washington’s Bicentennial Wagon contingent completed its 3,000-mile journey to Valley Forge in July of 1976. The above photograph comes from the Governors’ Negative Collection and was taken during the early leg of the trip within the state.