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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 Gavel made from wood of the Captain Robert Gray

Gavel made from wood of the Captain Robert Gray "Lone Tree" at Grays Harbor, Washington, ca. 1934

Captain Robert Gray was the first non-Native American to enter the Columbia River and Grays Harbor in 1792, both of which he named. Gray used the "Lone Tree," a tall Coastal Spruce located at the entrance of Grays Harbor as a navigational landmark upon his arrival.
ID Number:2009.94.2
Date:Circa 1934
Image of Set of gold scales used by Clarence Kinsey during the 1898 Gold Rush at Bonanza Creek, Yukon Territory

Set of gold scales used by Clarence Kinsey during the 1898 Gold Rush at Bonanza Creek, Yukon Territory

These gold scales were originally owned by Clarence Kinsey, a local photographer along with his brother and partner, Clark, who were noted for their photographs of the early logging industry in the Pacific Northwest. Before settling in Washington, Kinsey used these scales during the gold rushes at Bonanza Creek in 1898, and Haggart Creek in 1911, both located in the…
ID Number:2010.57.1
Date:Circa 1898
Image of Set of eight cedar boardwalk planks, ca. 1880

Set of eight cedar boardwalk planks, ca. 1880

These planks were donated to MOHAI by Sound Transit. They are a portion of the boardwalk planks that were excavated from an archaeological site at Pine Street and Terry Avenue in Seattle. The boardwalk was covered and infilled due to the Denny Regrade project from 1905-1910. The boardwalk was discovered approximately 38 feet below the surface. Other items retrieved from…
ID Number:2011.30.1
Date:Circa 1880
Image of Portrait of Mr. Bailey Gatzert by Abram Fuks, 1890

Portrait of Mr. Bailey Gatzert by Abram Fuks, 1890

Bailey Gatzert (1829-1893) was born in Germany and arrived in Seattle in the 1850s. He partnered with the Schwabacher Brothers and opened a Seattle branch of the hardware and general store company in 1869. He was the eighth mayor, and first Jewish mayor, of Seattle, serving from 1875-1876. In 1890, Baily Gatzert's portrait, along with his wife Babette's portrait were…
ID Number:2013.128.1
Date:1890
Image of Portrait of Mrs. Bailey (Babette) Gatzert by Abram Fuks, 1890

Portrait of Mrs. Bailey (Babette) Gatzert by Abram Fuks, 1890

Babette Gatzert, wife of Bailey Gatzert, co-founded Seattle's first charity, the Ladies Relief Society (now Seattle Children's Home). She was also active in the early years of the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society. In 1890, Baiely Gatzert's portrait, along with his wife Babette's portrait were painted by a German artist, Abram Fuks, considered to be one of the most celebrated oil…
ID Number:2013.128.2
Date:1890
Image of Shotgun owned by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1870-1880

Shotgun owned by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1870-1880

Henry Van Asselt was an early white settler to this area in 1851. Although Henry Van Asselt originally intended to make his living in King County through agriculture, his first homestead was burned in the Battle of Seattle of 1856, prompting him to leave the area for the Willamette Valley of Oregon. While in Oregon, he polished his cabinet-making skills.…
ID Number:2017.27.2
Date:1870-1880
Image of Shotbag owned by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1870-1880

Shotbag owned by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1870-1880

Henry Van Asselt was an early white settler to this area in 1851. Although Henry Van Asselt originally intended to make his living in King County through agriculture, his first homestead was burned in the Battle of Seattle of 1856, prompting him to leave the area for the Willamette Valley of Oregon. While in Oregon, he polished his cabinet-making skills…
ID Number:2017.27.3
Date:1870-1880
Image of Round maple and fir table made by Henry Van Asselt, 1858

Round maple and fir table made by Henry Van Asselt, 1858

Henry Van Asselt settled in the Seattle area in 1851 intending to make his living through agriculture. He later opened up a cabinet shop and his furniture was under demand by other Seattle settlers. Van Asselt made this simple kitchen table for David Denny and it is believed to be his first piece he made in Seattle. It was used…
ID Number:2018.12.3
Date:1858
Image of One of a pair of slat back side chairs with woven rawhide seats, ca. 1850-1880

One of a pair of slat back side chairs with woven rawhide seats, ca. 1850-1880

This chair was once owned by the Mercer family--early Seattle settlers who arrived in the Pacific Northwest around 1852.
ID Number:2019.64.1
Date:Circa 1850-1880
Image of One of a pair of slat back side chairs with woven rawhide seats, once owned by the Mercer family, ca. 1850-1880

One of a pair of slat back side chairs with woven rawhide seats, once owned by the Mercer family, ca. 1850-1880

One of a pair of slat back side chairs with woven rawhide seats, once owned by the Mercer family, ca. 1850-1880. The Mercers were early Seattle settlers, arriving in the Pacific Northwest around 1852.
ID Number:2019.64.2
Date:Circa 1850-1880
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Land Acknowledgement

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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