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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 Black wooden trinket box, 1854

Black wooden trinket box, 1854

This box was given to Sarah Loretta Denny (Boren), half-sister of Arthur Denny and member of the Denny family, early whtie settlers in the Seattle area.
ID Number:1953.651.E
Date:1854
Image of Cane made by Haida tribe, ca. 1880

Cane made by Haida tribe, ca. 1880

This cane was carved by a member of the Haida tribe and given to Puget Sound settler, Dr. J. C. Gosnell as a "Friendship Cane."
ID Number:1953.653
Date:Circa 1880
Image of Portrait of David T. Denny by Edwin Isaac Ames, 1894

Portrait of David T. Denny by Edwin Isaac Ames, 1894

David T. Denny (1832-1903) was the first of the Denny party to set foot on the shores of Puget Sound. He served in the organized militia, as a regent of the University of Washington, King County Treasurer, Probate Judge, Seattle School Board member and Seattle City Councilman. A respected businessman, Denny developed and consolidated the Seattle streetcar system. Artist Edwin…
ID Number:1954.541.a
Date:1894
Image of Portrait of Louisa Boren Denny

Portrait of Louisa Boren Denny "The Sweet Briar Bride," 1894

Louisa Boren Denny (1827-1916) left her safe Illinois home to travel across the country in a covered wagon, arriving with the Denny Party at Alki Point on November 13, 1851. She was Seattle's first bride, marrying David Denny. She was a friend of the Indigenous peoples in the area and a champion of women's suffrage. She lived to see Seattle…
ID Number:1954.541.b
Date:1894
Image of Piece of wood from the Maple family wagon, 1862

Piece of wood from the Maple family wagon, 1862

A wood remnant of the lead wagon led by captain John W. Maple. The wagon train crossed the plains from Iowa to Seattle in 1862.
ID Number:1954.748.B
Date:1862
Image of Cobalt blue bead necklace, ca. 1865

Cobalt blue bead necklace, ca. 1865

Strings of beads and dentalium were often used for trade or sale between the Native community and the early European settlers.
ID Number:1954.765.695
Date:Circa 1865
Image of Painting of Smith's Cove and Dr. Henry Smith's house by Emily Inez Denny, 1870-1880

Painting of Smith's Cove and Dr. Henry Smith's house by Emily Inez Denny, 1870-1880

This painting depicts the home of Dr. Henry A. Smith, who had come west by wagon in 1851. He was a physician who used his skills on the wagon train trip from the Midwest, in Seattle and in Snohomish, where he cared for Native Americans as he developed tidal land there. He was involved in Seattle politics, served as chair…
ID Number:1955.878.3
Date:1870-1880
Image of Altimeter and barometer used by David Denny, ca. 1850

Altimeter and barometer used by David Denny, ca. 1850

David T. Denny (1832-1903) was the first of the Denny party to set foot on the shores of Puget Sound. His brother Arthur Denny (1822-1899) was considered to be the leader of the “Denny Party” which travelled west from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest. When the group arrived in Portland, Oregon, David and John Low continued north to scout locations…
ID Number:1955.901.a
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Battle of Seattle

Battle of Seattle "Petticoat Flag," 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. Settlers say the women who sought shelter in the blockhouse used strips from their petticoats to sew this flag during the…
ID Number:1955.921.1
Date:1856
Image of Oil painting,

Oil painting, "Battle of Seattle, Jan. 26, 1856," by Emily Inez Denny, ca. 1890

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:1955.921.2
Date:Circa 1890
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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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