Chief Seattle 1786?-1866
American Indian Leader
In 1792, the English ship Discovery landed on the northern Pacific coast of North America. The sailors came ashore to trade with the American Indians who lived there. Among the American Indians was an eight-year-old boy named See-Yahtlh, or Seattle.
Seattle grew up to become a leader, or chief, of the Suquamish and Duwamish Indian groups. He was known for his courage in battle. As chief, Seattle welcomed European traders into the area so they could trade with the Suquamish. As more Europeans arrived, Seattle convinced them to build a settlement near his nation. The settlement was named Seattle in his honor. Today it is the largest city in the state of Washington.
In 1855, Chief Seattle signed a treaty with the United States government. A treaty is an agreement between nations. He agreed to take his people to live on a reservation. Some Duwamish did not agree, however, and fighting broke out between the Duwamish and the settlers. Though Seattle sympathized with the Duwamish, he would not join the fight. Seattle tried to work with the United States government and also defend the rights of American Indian groups. It was difficult to do both.
There are monuments in Seattle, Washington, that honor Chief Seattle. The official seal of the city has his image on it. A Chief Seattle Day is held every year in August.
Critical Thinking
Why do you think Chief Seattle worked with the United States government?