The frontier is a human limit that must be overcome in order to improve the human condition, whether it be a physical, mental, or geographical barrier.
According to Frederick Jackson Turner, the expansion westward “furnished the forces dominating American character.” Even though the Western frontier of America was conquered more than 130 years ago, the frontier spirit continues to shape the character of Forks, a small logging town nestled in the rainy forests of Washington State.
Early settlers came to Forks in the late 19th century and for a century the timber industry dominated the economy. Then Forks faced a perfect storm in the 1980s when it grappled with environmental conservation efforts, enhanced automation, and globalization. Today, Forks strives to redefine itself. As descendants of frontiersmen, Forks residents are adaptable jacks-of-all-trades who have found ways to economically diversify with tourism. Not only does Forks serve as a hub for tourists coming to the surrounding national parks, it has also embraced tourism from fans of the popular vampire series "Twilight,” of which it unexpectedly became the setting. I will investigate how the rugged individualism of the past continues to serve the community as it meets modern day challenges.
The frontier spirit also extends to politics. According to research by Bazzi et al (2020), counties that were part of the American frontier for longer tend to vote Republican for president and to be more averse towards government intervention, gun control, and environmental regulation (ref 1). Interestingly, the county to which Forks belongs–Clallam County, known as the longest-standing political bellwether of the country–has correctly predicted the presidential fate of the nation since 1980. My second aim is to investigate how the frontier attitude affects political mentality.
Frontier history, however, has historically ignored indigenous people. The lands surrounding Forks originally belonged to the Quileute people. Today, La Push is the reservation’s main population center and is the next town over from Forks. Census data from 2020 show a stark
contrast between the two communities: the median household income of Forks is $36,362 whereas that of La Push is $21,250. My third aim is to explore how the historical conquest of these lands continues to have enduring consequences for the Quileute people.
The modern day frontier is not the same as the 19th century one. Gone are the days of cowboys and homesteaders; the land cannot be conquered as before due to environmental regulations and awareness towards Indigenous peoples. I believe that the very elements that drew people to the frontier and allowed them to thrive historically continue to shape the people of Forks, especially as they try to overcome economic decline. Themes that have always inspired my work include juxtaposition of decay and renewal and communities striving for identity and nationhood. Through this project, I hope to capture intimate portraits of a small frontier town that has witnessed its world transform, yet remains determined to forge its way forward.
1. S Bazzi & M Fiszbein & M Gebresilasse, 2020. "Frontier Culture: The Roots and Persistence of “Rugged Individualism” in the United States," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 88(6), pages 2329-2368, November.
