The Washington State National Guard, 1901-1917

The Washington State National Guard has a long history, but it has only existed continuously since the 1880s. Until the Spanish-American War, the Guard served as a police force, but under Adjutant General James A. Drain, the focus of the Guard shifted toward a military mission. The periond from 1901 to 1917 was very important in the evolution of the Washington National Guard to a modern force. From 1901 to 1906 Drain initiated reforms at the state level aimed at transforming the Guard into a proficient military force. These reforms preceded action at the national level. When the Dick Act was passed in 1903, the Washington National Guard was already in compliance with federal regulations. The permanence of Drain's reforms was tested during the years 1906 to 1909. The Guard was hurt by Adjutant General Ortis Hamilton's actions--embezzling $37,000. His successor, George Lamping, was unable to control Guard officers and a factional fight erupted. At the same time the Guard expanded, forming coast artillery and naval militia units. An illegal activation occurred in Spokane, a move condemned by Guard leaders which demonstrated their reluctance to become involved in police activities.Between 1911 to 1915 the Guard reached its peak efficiency, despite manpower and fiscal woes. When called upon to mobilize in 1916, it did so at full war strength. The Guard continued to grow, as it met War Department requirements. In 1917 it was federalized, and its units broken up to provide replacements for Guard and regular units in Europe.This book is primarily based on the Governors' Papers housed at the Washington State Archives in Olympia, Washington. It is also based in part on the Records of the Military Department in the State Archives. The Adjutant Generals' Biennial Reports were used extensively, with contemporary newspaper accounts filling in the gaps. Published War and Navy Department reports provided a critical look at the efficiency of the Guard. Secondary sources were used primarily for background information.