International boundary set and Hale Passage is officially part of the United States.
1849
1 event
Snoqualmie Indians, led by Chief Patkanim, attack Fort Nisqually.
1853
2 events
Surveyors survey and summarily describe features on Fox Island
Washington Territory established by President Franklin Pierce with Isaac I. Stevens appointed as first Territorial Governor.
1854
3 events
Governor Stevens divides Western Washington into 5 treaty territories and starts negotiations within each.
Medicine Creek treaty was concluded (but not agreed to by all parties).
This treaty was imposed on a variaty of native groups in the South Sound. The Nisqually were represented by Chief Leschi and Chief Quiemuth. While most representatives signed the treaty, Chief Leschi refused. This first version of the treaty relegated the Indians of the South Sound to an extremely small reservation.
Medicine Creek Treaty guarantees fishing right to Indian people of Puget Sound.
The right of taking fish, at all usual and accustomed grounds and stations, is further secured to said Indians in common with all citizens of the Territory, and of erecting temporary houses for the purpose of curing, together with the privilege of hunting, gathering roots and berries, and pasturing their horses on open and unclaimed lands: Provided, however, That they shall not take shellfish from any beds staked or cultivated by citizens, and that they shall alter all stallions not intended for breeding-horses, and shall keep up and confine the latter.
1855
3 events
Medicine Creek treaty ratified by US Congress. Nisqually Indian people refuse to move to their assigned reservation site.
Hostilities begin between white settlers and native people in the South Sound. Incident occurs that results in death of two US soldiers.
Chief Leschi is held responsible for these deaths and eventually executed. He was fully exonerated on December 10, 2004
Fox Island selected as relocation site for 'Friendly Natives' in the South Sound.
This was one of 5 locations selected. Ultimately over 800 Indians would be relocated to Fox Island. Although various secondary sources say otherwise, Cecelia Svinth Carpenter's book Tears of Internment carefully documents the cold, stress, and sickness that resulted in over 80 deaths.
1856
4 events
Chief Leschi and retinue arrive at internment camp on Fox Island
Attack on Seattle.
Governor Stevens renegotiates Medecine Creek treaty with Indians interned on Fox Island.
The revised treaty provided a larger reservation and the right to fish and collect throughout the traditional grounds.
Indians move from Fox Island internment to Nisqually reservation.
1857
1 event
Surveyors survey and summarily describe features in Warren area, Wollochet Bay, and Grave Island