Namesake:
Chief Seattle / SEATTLE, WA
Chief Seattle, considered the greatest of all the Puget Sound Indians,
was born at the campsite of his ancestors on Blake Island in 1786. His
father was Chief Schweabe of the Shuamish Indians.
Chief Seattle was seven years old when Captain Cooke, in the sailing
vessel Vancouver, discovered and explored the Puget Sound. Pioneers
first landed at Alki Point on 28 September 1851 near the site of the
present City of Seattle. Because the native pronunciation of his name
(Schweabe) was too difficult for English-speaking people to say, the
name Sealth or Seattle was suggested by a local physician, a Dr.
Maynard.
Relations between the Indians and the settlers were peaceful from the
start of the colonization period. The settlers thought so much of Chief
Seattle that they named their new community after him. The relations
with the Indians remained peaceful until 1855, when a tribe of the
White River District rebelled over an unfair treaty. An attack against
the settlers of Seattle was repelled with the aid of the steam barque
Decator.
Throughout this violent period, Chief Seattle remained a steadfast and
loyal friend of the settlers, and encouraged the Indians to remain
peaceful. In his later years, Chief Seattle was baptized, and adopted
the Christian name of Noah. The last years of his life were spent at
the Fort Madison Reservation and Agate Point on Bainbridge Island. He
died in 1866.
|
Ship's Crest:
 Description of Coat of
Arms:The
crest of USS SEATTLE is composed of four parts. These four elements
include; a profile of Chief Seattle, a pine cone with needles, a pair
of dolphins, and two lengths of chain. These elements hold special
meaning for the residents of Seattle, Washington. The pine cone,
needles and light green background represent the evergreens of
Washington, the Evergreen State. The dolphins, traditional emblems of
the sea represent the waters of the area surrounding Seattle and the
city's close association with the resources of the vast Pacific Ocean
which lie at her doorstep. The chain, which is a traditional symbol of
both strength and the nautical profession, links USS SEATTLE to the
City of Seattle. Seattle's crest is adapted from the official seal of
the City of Seattle, The crest was designed by Mr. James A.Welnn, and
was officially adopted by the city in 1936.
|
