Dedication of the Chief Seattle Statue
1912
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"Seattle, Chief of the Suquamish," was commissioned, conceived, and cast during the period 1907-1912 by sculptor James A. Wehn (1883-1973). This photograph was taken during the dedication of the statue on Founder's Day in 1912.
The cast bronze figure of Chief Seattle stands on a pedestal of rock-faced granite. His right arm is raised in greeting, a pose reportedly remembered as characteristic of the Chief. In addition to the statue itself, pedestal ornaments were designed and cast by the sculptor. These include two bronze bear heads, one on either short side of the granitebase, that served as fountain spouts. On the west side of the pedestal, another bronze plaque is inscribed: "Seattle, Chief of the Suquamish, a firm friend of the whites, for whom the city of Seattle was named by its founders."
The photos and description of the Chief Seattle Statue in Seattle, WA are part of materials from its registration form for the National Register of Historic Places.
The cast bronze figure of Chief Seattle stands on a pedestal of rock-faced granite. His right arm is raised in greeting, a pose reportedly remembered as characteristic of the Chief. In addition to the statue itself, pedestal ornaments were designed and cast by the sculptor. These include two bronze bear heads, one on either short side of the granitebase, that served as fountain spouts. On the west side of the pedestal, another bronze plaque is inscribed: "Seattle, Chief of the Suquamish, a firm friend of the whites, for whom the city of Seattle was named by its founders."
The photos and description of the Chief Seattle Statue in Seattle, WA are part of materials from its registration form for the National Register of Historic Places.
This primary source comes from the Records of the National Park Service.
National Archives Identifier: 75612684
Full Citation: Dedication of the Chief Seattle Statue; 1912; National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: Washington; National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records, 2013 - 2017; Records of the National Park Service, Record Group 79; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/dedication-of-the-chief-seattle-statue, March 21, 2025]Rights: Copyright Not Evaluated Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
