Chief Seattle, considered the greatest of all the Puget Sound Indians, was born at the campsite of his ancestors on Blake Island in 1786.  His father was Chief Schweabe of the Shuamish Indians.

     Chief Seattle was seven years old when (Captain George Vancouver), in a sailing vessel, discovered and explored the Puget Sound.

     Pioneers first landed at Alki Point on 28 September 1851, (to create a city; this party of settlers was led by Arthur Denny) which is now near the site of the present City of Seattle.

     Because the native pronunciation of his name (Schweabe) was too difficult for English-speaking people to say, the name Sealth or Seattle was suggested by a local physician, a Dr. Maynard.  (David “Doc” Maynard became friends with Chief Seattle and he proposed they name the city after the great chief.)  

     Relations between the Indians and the settlers were peaceful from the start of the colonization period.   The settlers thought so much of Chief Seattle that they named their new community after him. The relations with the Indians remained peaceful until 1855, when a tribe of the White River District rebelled over an unfair treaty.  An attack against the settlers of Seattle was repelled with the aid of the steam barque Decator. 

     Throughout this violent period, Chief Seattle remained a steadfast and loyal friend of the settlers, and encouraged the Indians to remain peaceful.  (Chief Seattle helped with supplies, advice, and he convinced local tribes not attack the settlers that prevented a war.)

     In his later years, Chief Seattle was baptized, and adopted the Christian name of Noah.  The last years of his life were spent at the Fort Madison Reservation and Agate Point on Bainbridge Island.  He died in 1866.