U.S.S. Decatur, circa 1850

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Image of U.S.S. Decatur, circa 1850 — 1983.10.6182

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During the early 1850s, hostility grew between the Native peoples and the new settlers in the Puget Sound region. The "Decatur" and several other government ships were moved to the area to protect the settlers. On January 26, 1856, following word of a planned attack on Seattle, troops on the "Decatur" fired howitzers into the forest beyond Third Avenue where a group of Indigenous peoples had gathered. The Native peoples retreated, burning buildings as they went.

This 19th century photo of the "Decatur" was copied sometime after 1902 by Webster & Stevens. Even then, the photo studio's customers were interested in images of Seattle's past.

Notes: Original copy negative. Copied after 1902 by Webster & Stevens

ID Number: 1983.10.6182

Date: Circa 1850

Physical Description: 1 negative : glass, b&w ; 6.5 x 8.5 in.

Credit: MOHAI, PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, 1983.10.6182

Subjects: Washington Territory, European American Settlement, Indigenous Peoples, Coast Salish Peoples, Puget Sound War, 1855-1856, Military