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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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122 results for: Washington Territory

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Image of Fife owned by Denny family, ca. 1850

Fife owned by Denny family, ca. 1850

In 1851, Arthur Denny (1822-1899) led a contingent of his family west from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest. Like all immigrants, they brought their most precious belongings which included this Crosby brand fife.
ID Number:1974.5903.5
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Compass owned by David Denny, ca. 1850

Compass owned by David Denny, ca. 1850

In 1851, Arthur Denny (1822-1899) led a contingent of his family west from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest, where he helped build the city of Seattle. Arthur's brother, David Denny (1832-1903) had arrived earlier that year to stake out the area. Like all immigrants, he brought his most precious belongings which included this brass compass.
ID Number:1979.6788.6
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Pocket directional compass that belonged to David T. Denny, ca. 1850

Pocket directional compass that belonged to David T. Denny, ca. 1850

In 1851, Arthur Denny (1822-1899) led a contingent of his family west from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest, where he helped build the city of Seattle. Arthur's brother, David Denny (1832-1903) had arrived earlier that year to stake out the area. Like all immigrants, he brought his most precious belongings which included this pocket compass.
ID Number:1979.6788.11
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Model canoe carving given as gift to donor's father from Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle), 1891

Model canoe carving given as gift to donor's father from Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle), 1891

This model canoe was made by either Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle) or a member of his tribe and bears the insignia of the family on the bow and stern. When Marian Engle Cummings, donor of this model, was born, her father was gifted with the canoe to signify that his newborn child was an honorary member of the tribe. Prior…
ID Number:1980.7084.1
Date:Circa 1891
Image of Desk of Governor Isaac Stevens, ca. 1852-1853

Desk of Governor Isaac Stevens, ca. 1852-1853

Isaac Ingalls Stevens was the first governor of Washington Territory, appointed by President Franklin Pierce. Able, ambitious and determined, Stevens graduated first in his class at West Point, and rose quickly in the Engineers Corps, in combat during the Mexican War, and later in the Coast and Geodetic Survey. A lifelong Democrat, Stevens ran for the Territorial legislature, but his…
ID Number:1980.7094.417
Date:1825-1853
Image of Ramage flatbed press No. 913, handmade by Scottish immigrant Adam Ramage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1800-1830

Ramage flatbed press No. 913, handmade by Scottish immigrant Adam Ramage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1800-1830

Handmade by Scottish immigrant Adam Ramage in Philadelphia in the early nineteenth century, this flatbed printing press saw a great deal of use in the western United States for probably forty years. While the early history of this machine is unclear, it is certainly one of the oldest presses on the Pacific coast. The first confirmed use of the press…
ID Number:1980.7094.438
Date:1800-1830
Image of Painted map made by Adolph P. Wagner circa 1900-1920 and featuring an aerial view of Seattle in 1855-1856

Painted map made by Adolph P. Wagner circa 1900-1920 and featuring an aerial view of Seattle in 1855-1856

On the morning of January 26, 1856, the "Battle of Seattle" began when Native Americans raided the white settlement in what is now known as Seattle. Previously warned of the attack, most settlers had barricaded themselves in a blockhouse. The attackers were driven off by artillery fire. The battle was the penultimate event in a series of armed conflicts, known…
ID Number:1981.7184.1
Date:Circa 1900-1920
Image of Miniature model made in 1980 of Central School which was established in 1870

Miniature model made in 1980 of Central School which was established in 1870

The Central School was the first building built by the Seattle School District. It opened August 15, 1870 on Third Avenue between Madison and Spring Streets. Lizzie Ordway, a Mercer Girl herself, along with C. M. Sanderson, were the first teachers and they welcomed about 100 students in the first year. This model was built in 1980-1981 by American Miniatures…
ID Number:1981.7294
Date:1980
Image of Windsor side chair made in the University

Windsor side chair made in the University "Boarding House," 1861-1862

This chair was made by D.C. Beatty who was an early settler in Olympia but came to Seattle when the Territorial University was being built in 1861 on the corner of Seneca Street and Fourth Avenue. Beatty made most of the desks, chairs and benches used in the University.
ID Number:1984.65.1
Date:1861-1862
Image of Pencil drawing,

Pencil drawing, "Forsaken (Camp on West Shore of Lake Union)," by Emily Inez Denny, 1876

The daughter of one of Seattle’s founding families, Emily Inez Denny (1853 – 1918) was both an artist and writer. Greatly influenced by seeing the drawings of Sarah Willoughby as a student at the Washington Territorial University, she took on painting and drawing as a life-long pursuit. A woman who thrived on the creation of art, Emily constantly traveled with…
ID Number:1984.74.3
Date:1876
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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