Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who continue to steward these lands and waters as they have since time immemorial. We recognize Washington’s tribal and Indigenous or Native organizations, which actively create, shape, and contribute to our thriving communities. The Redmond Historical Society is committed to doing our part to engage with, and amplify the voices of, Native peoples and tribes.

Redmond's Earliest Inhabitants

Archeological digs in Redmond have uncovered evidence of inhabitants in the area from over 10,000 years ago.

There is still much researchers and historians are discovering about these early residents and their link to Coast Salish indigenous groups such as the dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish tribe), sdukʷalbixʷ (Snoqualmie tribe) and stuləgʷábš (Stillaguamish tribe).

However, it is clear that indigenous groups have occupied these lands since time immemorial, long before American settlers and European immigrants arrived.

An archeological dig in Marymoor Park started in 1964, and continued for 4 years.Ultimately, the dig revealed evidence of two periods of occupation. The first group of artifacts indicated the presence of a seasonal camp from around 4,000 B.C.E., while the second group of findings dated from around 1,000 B.C.E. and suggested a more permanent encampment. In November of 1970 the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2008, a routine archeological survey, conducted as part of a larger stream restoration project, uncovered stone artifacts. In the following years, further study uncovered additional artifacts and tools preserved under a layer of peat. Radiocarbon analysis determined the peat was at least 10,000 years old -- indicating that the artifacts below it could be even earlier. According to archaeologist Robert Kopperl, who led the field investigation, this site is “…the oldest archaeological site in the Puget Sound lowland with stone tools.”

Were Indigenous Tribes Still Living in Redmond When Settlers Arrived?

Though the historical record often overlooked these groups, census data shows Indigenous residents in the area in the 1880s, as do anecdotal accounts from early Redmond settlers and local papers. However, we also know that by this time several events had greatly diminished and displaced Washington’s native populations.

The Treaty of Point Elliott (1855) promised a variety of services and continued access to natural resources in exchange for tribal lands; and led to the establishment of the Tulalip, Port Madison, Swinomish and Lummi reservations.

This closely overlaps with a period of skirmishes in response to American treaty violations. And, this was closely followed by a period of deadly smallpox epidemic among Northwest tribes in 1862 – one of several epidemics brought on by an influx of American Settlers and European Immigrants.

What about today?

We are fortunate to have several active tribal organizations in the area. They provide a wide variety of community services and programs, in addition to the important work they do to preserve important cultural and historic resources. To learn more, we recommend visiting:

duwamishtribe.org
snoqualmietribe.us
stillaguamish.com

If you are interested in learning more about the Coast Salish language of dxʷlušucid (Lushootseed) and its regional dialects, we also recommend visiting:

culture.snoqualmietribeweb.us/language
tulaliplushootseed.com
puyalluptriballanguage.org

You can also support the Indigenous groups through direct support, self-education, and by supporting Native-owned businesses.

Where Can I Learn More?

Though the Redmond Historical Society has collected some information on the sites, such as newspaper articles and other archival materials, we do not hold the any excavated artifacts from either of these archeological digs.

Some replicas of artifacts unearthed in the Marymoor dig were displayed at the now closed Marymoor Museum, while some original materials were added to the expansive collection at the Burke Museum.

Officials of the Bear Creek dig also worked closely with representatives of the Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie tribes. Based on news coverage from the time it’s possible other artifacts were given to the Muckleshoot tribe for study and preservation