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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 Desk used at Arthur Denny's post office, 1850-1860

Desk used at Arthur Denny's post office, 1850-1860

This desk, made locally by an unknown cabinetmaker, was used in the first Seattle post office run by Postmaster Arthur A. Denny in his cabin from 1852-1853.
ID Number:2009.59.1
Date:Circa 1850-1860
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 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 Wax figurine of Seattle's first pioneer doctor,

Wax figurine of Seattle's first pioneer doctor, "Doc Maynard," made by Lillian Smart, ca. 1955

Lillian Smart, a local artist who lived at Alki Point, taught herself the process of making wax figures and her family often served as models and as donors of hair.
ID Number:2012.22.4
Date:Circa 1955
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 Bedstead made by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1860s

Bedstead made by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1860s

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 most likely made this bedstead for German immigrant and Seattle capitalist George Frederick Frye and his wife Louisa Catherine Denny Frye. It was then…
ID Number:2018.12.1
Date:Circa 1860
Image of Dropleaf maple table made by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1860s

Dropleaf maple table made by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1860s

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 Seattle pioneers. Van Asselt made this kitchen table for Arthur Denny's first home in Seattle.
ID Number:2018.12.2
Date:Circa 1860
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
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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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