HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-ChetzamokaTitle: Chief Chetzemoka
Artist: Dick Brown
Date: June 1996
Location: Port Townsend Golf Course Media: Bronze Sculpture
Dimensions: 6.5' tall x 2' wide x 12" deep
This statue memorializes the S'Klallam Indian Chief Chetzemoka who lived from 1808 to
1888 in the area now occupied by Port Townsend. Chetzemoka aided the settlement of
Port Townsend and befriended white settlers and explorers such as James G. Swan, J.
Ross Browne and John Winthrop.
Due to the difficulty in pronouncing Native American names, the chief was dubbed the
Duke of York and his two wives Queen Victoria and Jenny Lind. Chetzemoka visited
San Francisco in the early 1850s, where he first met James Swan. After his brother died
in 1854, Chetzemoka became chief of his people until 1876.
In 1855 Chetzemoka signed the the Treaty of Point No Point, which was later used to
justify the removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams. Beautiful Chetzemoka Park
takes its name from this influential chief.
The plaque at the base of the sculpture reads:
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew
5:9 "If I am seen coming to you I will not be able to help you further. But each morning I
will sit on top of the big rock on the east side of Kah Tai Valley. If you are still in danger I
will keep my blanket over my head and then you will know that you must have your
guns ready and place your women and children where they will be safe, for they are apt
to be captured and held as slaves. If the danger passes I will stand up, throw off my
blanket and give a great shout. Then you will know that you are safe."
James G. McCurdy By Juan De Fuca's Strait