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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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5 results for: Puget Sound War, 1855-1856

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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
Image of Drawing of USS Decatur,

Drawing of USS Decatur, "Seattle-1855," by Hewitt Jackson, ca. 1961

Hewitt Jackson (1914-2007) was a seaman, marine draftsman, and artist. He is best known for his maritime drawings of ships that sailed the Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest. The MOHAI collection contains seven of Hewitt's works. This particular drawing features the USS Decatur which was an armed vessel anchored in Elliott Bay during the "Battle of Seattle" that took place…
ID Number:1961.2441.1
Date:1961
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 Print,

Print, "The Battle of Seattle, January 26, 1856" and featuring the USS Decatur, by Mark Myers, 1987

This colored print features the USS Decatur which was an armed vessel anchored in Elliott Bay during the "Battle of Seattle" that took place on January 26, 1856. On this day, the native peoples in the area attacked the newly arrived white settlers who took refuge in the blockhouse or on the Decatur which proceeded to fire shells toward land.…
ID Number:2006.60.1
Date:1987

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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