Lake View Point

From this vantage point at Lake View Point, the vista unfolds like a painted scroll. Lake Union shimmers below, a cerulean canvas dotted with sailboats. This serene scene belies a tumultuous past, etched in the heart of Seattle’s history. Lake View Point offers us a glimpse into this rich tapestry. Lake Union wasn’t always the recreational haven we see today. The Duwamish people, who called this area “Tenas Chuck” or “Little Waters”, thrived here for thousands of years. They lived off the land, fishing its abundant waters and hunting in the surrounding forests. Their summer and fall bounty of dried fish and berries sustained them through the harsh winters. Lake Union was their lifeline, their home. European settlers arrived in 1851, forever altering the landscape and the lives of the Duwamish. One pivotal figure emerges from this era: Chief Cheshiahud, also known as “Lake Union John”. He navigated the complex relationship between the indigenous people and the newcomers. Cheshiahud, a skilled canoe carver and guide, even worked with the settlers, showcasing his intimate knowledge of the lake. His friendship with David Denny, one of the first settlers, stands as a testament to the possibilities of understanding and cooperation in a time of great upheaval. Denny’s sale of five acres of land to Cheshiahud for a single dollar is a curious detail in this complicated story. The land, located in Portage Bay, later provided Cheshiahud with a substantial profit upon its sale. This transaction, and the ongoing relationship between Cheshiahud and Denny’s family, leaves us with intriguing questions about their bond. From Lake View Point, as we gaze upon the modern cityscape rising around Lake Union, we can almost hear the echoes of “Tenas Chuck”. The lake, once a source of sustenance for the Duwamish, is now a vibrant hub of activity. Yet, the spirit of Chief Cheshiahud, the last Duwamish resident of South Lake Union, seems to linger. He reminds us, from this stunning vista at Lake View Point, that the layers of history are deep and complex.