Captain William J. Duley

As you discovered in last week’s entry, a little behind People’s Wharf was 10 acres for picnicking and dancing in 1895.

Let’s explore a little history about who was responsible for these grounds and why.

In 1893 the Gig Harbor land around the bay consisted of 578 acres on the south side and 638 acres on the north side.  This land belonged to the Federal Government and was under the supervision of Captain W. J. Duley.  On March 7, 1893 the people living in Gig Harbor petitioned Congress to sell the land to the settlers already here in parcels of 10 acres at a price of $2.50 per acre.  This petition was signed by 134 people; 102 of those took up claims on the land. What resulted was House Bill No. 342 was introduced to Congress providing Gig Harbor and Millville Military Reserves open for settlement.  As required, the Bill was read twice and on December 8, 1895 referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed signifying passage.