Overview of American Indian Policy, Treaties, and Reservations in the Northwest
Fort Steilacoom
Even before Isaac Stevens began his treaty negotiations, the United States Army — anticipating conflicts between white settlers and Native Americans — established a military presence throughout Washington Territory. Fort Steilacoom, shown here in an 1880s photograph, was established in 1849. Pierce County settlers fled to the protection of this fort when hostilities broke out in 1855. (Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries, Fort Steilacoom file. Photo by Thomas H. Rutter.)