Kellogg Island

Seetoowathl and his wife the last year-round Duwamish residents died of starvation on Kellogg Island in 1920. Their passing marked the end of a long era. This small island in the Duwamish River holds a significant piece of Seattle’s history. Kellogg Island is a tiny remnant of a much larger island originally called Mud Island. It was once over 315 acres. The Duwamish people lived here for thousands of years. They fished hunted and gathered food. Their longhouses stood along the riverbanks. But in 1865 the City of Seattle banned Native Americans from living within city limits. Later in 1893 non-Native colonists burned down a nearby Coast Salish settlement. This forced many Indigenous people to relocate. The Duwamish River was straightened and deepened in the early 1900s. This was to facilitate industrial use. Kellogg Island became isolated. The industrialization brought pollution. It also brought new settlers. Croatian and Norwegian immigrants lived here. They used the island for residential and commercial purposes. Industries like lumber mills and brick factories thrived nearby. In the 1970s Boeing and Seattle’s industrial growth boomed around Kellogg Island. This led to increased pollution levels. The Port of Seattle purchased the land in 1972. They planned to build a large marine cargo facility. However during demolition historic artifacts were discovered. The construction stopped. Kellogg Island eventually became a wildlife preserve. It is a small area of natural beauty. It is a reminder of Seattle’s past and its complex relationship with its Indigenous peoples. Today Kellogg Island stands as a testament to resilience. The island serves as a refuge for wildlife. It is a silent witness to the changes that have shaped Seattle. It is a small island with a big story.