As war clouds loomed over the U.S. in 1917, Ferguson had a major role in the development of Hilton Village, located just northwest of the shipyard. In January 1918, Ferguson appeared before a United States Senate subcommittee investigating shipyard conditions. Ferguson was very persuasive regarding the impact of the war effort on the lack of housing for shipyard workers.
During the period of war tensions in 1917, Ferguson played a significant role in developing Hilton Village, situated northwest of the shipyard. In January 1918, Ferguson appeared before a United States Senate subcommittee examining shipyard conditions. Ferguson was highly persuasive regarding the impact of the war effort on the lack of housing for shipyard workers.