The Man the City Is Named For
Seattle is one of the few major American cities named for a Native leader — Chief Si'ahl, a Duwamish and Suquamish headman.
Si'ahl, whose name settlers wrote as Sealth and then Seattle, was born around 1786 and led both the Duwamish and Suquamish. He was known for his stature and his oratory.
As settlers arrived he chose engagement over war, keeping ties with figures such as the physician David Doc Maynard while his people's world was remade around them.
By some accounts he was uneasy that the town had taken his name, believing his rest would be disturbed each time it was spoken. He died in 1866, buried near Suquamish.
Meet the chief today
Find his likeness downtown
A bronze statue of Chief Seattle stands at Tilikum Place, near Fifth and Denny — arm raised, facing the water. Nearby streets and a fountain carry his name into the daily life of the city.
Visit his resting place across the Sound
His grave lies in the tribal cemetery at Suquamish, on the Port Madison Reservation, a short ferry ride from the city. The Suquamish Museum nearby tells the story from his own people's side.
A great city says his name a thousand times a day — the least it owes him is to remember whose name it is.
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