Keyword(s): Helen Lacy
In about 1864, William Hedges (d. 1871) arrives in Seattle. He becomes the African American who owns the most property during the territorial years. Illiterate and probably a fugitive slave, he w...
In 1864, Mathias Monet, an African American pioneer and native of Oregon, arrives in Seattle and opens Monet's Seattle Restaurant and Coffee Saloon opposite the Yesler, Denny and Company's Store.
In 1883, African American pioneers John Conna (1836-1921) and Mary Conna (1840-1907) arrive in the Federal Way area and settle on their 157 acre homestead. John Conna becomes the first black political...
In 1886, Charles H. and Eva Ellis Harvey come to Seattle. He becomes an early black contractor and employer. After living in Belltown for a brief time, they moved to a house on 2nd Avenue at the prese...
In 1886, Horace Cayton (1859-1940) comes to Seattle from Mississippi and by 1894 is publishing the Seattle Republican newspaper.
In 1889, Robert O. Lee arrives in Seattle and becomes the first African American to practice law in Washington.
In 1889, the Ladies Colored Social Circle, Seattle's first African American social organization for women, forms. Members include Mrs. Fred Lawrence, Mrs. Logan, and Rebecca Grose Dixon.
In 1889, Robert A. Clark, an African American entrepreneur, arrives in Seattle. Clark operates a drayage and delivery service out of his office at 2nd Avenue and Madison Street.
In 1889, John T. Gayton (1868-1954) arrives in Seattle as a coachman for a Mississippi family. A founder of one of Seattle's leading African American families, he works as librarian for the Federal Co...
In August 1890, Isaac W. Evans becomes the first African American appointed to the Seattle police force.
On March 27, 1890, the Public Accommodations Act becomes effective, upon adoption of the Washington State Constitution. This law entitles all citizens to civil and legal rights, including access to ac...
In May 1890, the first local branch of the National Afro-American League organizes in Seattle. Isaac W. Evans is president.
On June 19, 1890, African American families from Seattle and Tacoma gather in Kent to celebrate "Juneteenth" for the first time. "Juneteenth" celebrates the adoption of the 15th Amendment to the Unite...
In July 1890, the Northern Lights Lodge, No. l of the Colored Knights of Pythias is chartered in Seattle.