Denny Party facts for kids
The Denny Party was a group of brave American pioneers. They are famous for helping to start the city of Seattle, Washington. They arrived at a place called Alki Point on November 13, 1851.
Contents
The Journey West
Starting from Illinois
The Denny Party began their long journey on April 10, 1851. They left from Cherry Grove, Illinois. The group was led by Arthur A. Denny.
Who Was in the Party?
Many family members traveled together. Arthur's father, John Denny, and his stepmother were there. His younger brother, David Denny, also joined them. Arthur's wife, Mary Ann Boren, was with them. She was expecting a baby during the trip. Mary's younger sister, Louisa, and their brother, Carson Boren, were also part of the group.
Challenges Along the Way
The journey was not easy. Arthur Denny was often sick. On July 6, 1851, the group had a tense encounter near the Snake River. Luckily, everyone was safe. The next day, they met John Low, who joined their party.
A New Idea for a Town
Later in July, they met a man named Brock near the Burnt River in Oregon. He suggested that Puget Sound would be a great spot to build a new town. This idea stuck with Arthur Denny.
Reaching the Pacific Northwest
Arrival in Portland
The Denny Party arrived in Portland, Oregon, on August 22, 1851. Arthur Denny was still unwell. Mary Ann was about to give birth. So, the group rested in Portland. On September 2, Mary gave birth to their son, Rolland H. Denny.
Scouting for a New Home
John Low and David Denny went north to explore. They met Leander "Lee" Terry along the way. In Olympia, Washington, they met Michael Simmons. He was a rich founder of Tumwater. Simmons showed them Alki as a possible place for a settlement.
Building at Alki Point
On September 28, 1851, Terry and Low started building a cabin. Local Native Americans helped them. They also claimed land there. Low went back to Portland to tell the others. David Denny stayed at the unfinished cabin. He was not well and injured his foot.
More Settlers Join
In Portland, Arthur Denny found William Nathaniel Bell and his wife. They were farmers from Illinois. By chance, Charlie Terry, Lee's younger brother, also joined them. The Terry brothers had come west for the California Gold Rush. But they did not like the busy life in San Francisco.
The Final Stretch to Alki
On November 5, 1851, the Denny Party left Portland. They sailed on a ship called the Exact. They were heading for Puget Sound. The trip was difficult, especially for Arthur Denny. They arrived at Alki Point on November 13. David Denny greeted them by saying, "I wish you hadn't come."
Choosing Seattle's Location
Alki Point Challenges
Arthur Denny was disappointed. Low and Lee Terry had already claimed the best land at Alki. But he had to help finish the cabin for the winter. Denny soon realized Alki Point had problems. The ocean tides were too strong to build good docks.
Finding a Better Spot
Denny convinced Bell and Boren to look for a different place. After winter, they explored other areas. They looked at Commencement Bay (where Tacoma is now). They also checked Port Orchard and Smith Cove. Finally, they chose a spot on Elliott Bay. This place is now Pioneer Square in Seattle.
The Birth of Seattle
For the next three years, Alki Point and Elliott Bay competed. Charlie Terry led the community at Alki. Arthur Denny settled at Elliott Bay. He and "Doc" Maynard helped develop the new town. Because of the strong tides, Terry moved to the Elliott Bay community. This became the main part of the city of Seattle.
Alki Point Monument
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Today, there is a monument at Alki Beach. It lists the names of all the members of the Denny Party. It reminds everyone of their important role in starting Seattle.
