City of Seattle City Map Poster

About City of Seattle

Archaeological excavations suggest that Native Americans have inhabited the Seattle area for at least 4,000 years. By the time the first European settlers arrived, the people (subsequently called Duwamish) occupied at least seventeen villages in the areas around Elliott Bay. The first European to visit Seattle was George Vancouver, in May 1792 during his 1791–95 expedition to chart Alaska.In 1851, a large party led by Luther Collins made a location on land where present-day Pioneer Square is located and established a camp nearby. Thirteen days later, members of Collins' party claimed land on Alki Point on behalf of Captain William Broughton and named it "New York", but renamed it "Alki" (from Chinook Jargon meaning: other side) before settling back near what is now downtown Seattle.[19] New York Mills ("Mill Town") was founded in September 1853 along with Fort Nisqually; both were names after Mill Company employees.