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Image of King County Poor Farm, circa 1907
1983.10.7773
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King County Poor Farm, circa 1907

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In 1854, Washington's legislature made counties responsible for caring for all poor, sick, and homeless people whose relatives could not support them. Counties could build workhouses or poor farms and contract out the care of sick and indigent adults. Starting in 1877, King County operated a County Poor Farm on the Duwamish River, where destitute people lived and worked.

This photo, taken around 1907, shows the King County Poor House (left) and Poor Farm south of downtown Seattle.

Webster & Stevens number: 6676
ID Number: 1983.10.7773
Date: Circa 1907
Creator(s): Webster & Stevens, Photographer
Physical Description: 1 negative : glass, b&w ; 6.5 x 8.5 in.
Credit: MOHAI, PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, 1983.10.7773
Copyright: No Known Copyright
Subjects: Government and Public Services, Agriculture and Farms

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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.
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