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Image of Native American camp with canoes, Ballast Island, Washington Street, Seattle, circa 1890
2011.26.7.43
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Photograph

Native American camp with canoes, Ballast Island, Washington Street, Seattle, circa 1890

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By the late 19th century, most Seattle-area Native Americans had been moved to reservations and were not allowed to live in the city. Sometime before 1895, visiting Native American people started camping on Ballast Island, at the foot of Washington Street. After 1895, waterfront development forced the encampment away from here. This photo shows canoes and tents at the Ballast Island encampment.

Though unattributed, the photograph was probably taken by Seattle photographer John P. Soule.
ID Number: 2011.26.7.43
Date: Circa 1890
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 7.5 x 9.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant.
View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv62982
Credit: MOHAI, David Thomas Denny II Family Papers, 2011.26.7.43
Copyright: All Rights Reserved
Subjects: Washington Territory, Indigenous Peoples, Coast Salish Peoples, Discrimination

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
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