Denny Party was a group who played a key role in the founding of Seattle City. The group were the first to arrive at the Alki Point on November 13, 1851, very close to the modern city of Seattle. The leader of Denny Party was Arthur A Denny.
Trail of Denny Party
The group followed the trail from Indiana to Portland along the Oregon trail. The journey was in search of a settlement suiting their taste. Wilammette Valley was very crowded and the group did not like it. David Denny, the brother of Arthur Denny and John Low were sent to supervise the region of Puget Sound. On their journey to Puget Sound they met Lee Terry . On September 25, 1851 they finally arrived at the mouth of the Duwamish river. It was the wealthy founder of Tumwater Washington, Mike Summons who helped them find the favorable spot Alki Point. Just after three days they established their claim over the Alki Point.From September 28,1851 they began building cabins. David Denny who had remained ill throughout the journey stayed on in an unfinished cabin. Staying in a cabin without a roof deteriorated his health but matters were worse when he injured his foot with an axe.
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Denny left Portland, and after a difficult journey arrived on the Alki Point on November 5, 1851. David Denny was not at all happy to see his brother Arthur. The fact that David Denny and Lee Terry had already staked their claims on Alki Point disappointed Arthur Denny bitterly. He was left only with the option to look for a new settlement area. Arthur explored the areas of Commencement Bay, Port Orchard, Smith Cove and finally settled down on the islands of the east shore of Elliott Bay. Today Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle has located in this area.
Members of the Denny Party
The Denny family members included, Arthur A Denny, Mary Ann Denny, Louisa Katherin Denny, Margaret Lenora Denny and Rolland H Denny. The Low family members were John N Low, Lydia Low, Mary L. Low, Alonzo Low, John V Low, Minerva Low. Other members were Carson D Boren, Mary Boren and Livonia Gertrude Boren. Bell family members were William N Bell, Sarah N Bell and Laura Keziah Bell.
Denny Party were the first white settlers of Seattle. They played a significant role in shaping modern Seattle City
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