He seems to have felt that here the flag would achieve her greatest destiny, and he entered upon his work like a knight who faced the future and not the past.
His survey of the Northern Pacific route led the march of steam to the Puget Sea, and the great steamers have carried it forward to Japan, China, and India.
His first message to the Legislature at Olympia (1854) was a map of the future and a prophecy.

It was a call for roads, schools, a university, and immigration.

The seal of Washington was made to bear the Indian word _Alke_--"by and by"-- or "in the future." It also was a prophecy.
He created the counties of Sawanish, Whatcom, Clallam, Chehalis, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Skamania, and Walla Walla.

Olympia was fixed upon as the seat of government, and measures were taken by the Government for the regulation of the Indian tribes.
Stevens was the military leader of the Indian war.

He reduced the tribes to submission, and secured a permanent peace.