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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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183 results for: European American Settlement

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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 Iver Johnson top break revolver, 1905

Iver Johnson top break revolver, 1905

This pistol was carried by David T. Denny, member of the early white settler family of Seattle.
ID Number:1978.6658.3
Date:1905
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 Copper kettle, 1830-1880

Copper kettle, 1830-1880

This kettle was originally owned and used by Caroline (McGilvra) Burke, daughter of early settlers John and Elizabeth McGilvra who arrived in Seattle in 1861, and wife of prominent Seattle judge Thomas Burke.
ID Number:1980.7094.41
Date:1830-1880
Image of Teakettle used by Burke family, ca. 1830-1880

Teakettle used by Burke family, ca. 1830-1880

This kettle belonged to Caroline McGilvra Burke, wife of prominent Seattle judge Thomas Burke and daughter of early Seattle settlers John and Elizabeth McGilvra. The McGilvras first arrived in Seattle in 1861. This kettle may have been used around that time or even earlier. Prior to 1851, most kettles were created by hammering the metal over a form and dovetailing…
ID Number:1980.7094.42
Date:Circa 1830-1880
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 Ax head, Hudson's Bay Company style, ca. 1830

Ax head, Hudson's Bay Company style, ca. 1830

This Hudson’s Bay Company style ax head is typical of the type brought to the Northwest by the early traders in the 19th century.
ID Number:1981.7256.7
Date:Circa 1830
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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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