Special Exhibits
Lock, Stock and Barrel: Fort Nisqually's Trade GunsAugust 7 to November 28, 2010
The Hudson's Bay Company imported guns to forts in the Pacific Northwest for sale or trade. These guns were primarily used for hunting and are commonly referred to as "Northwest Trade Guns".
At Fort Nisqually's new exhibit Lock, Stock and Barrel: Fort Nisqually's Trade Guns, several fine examples of these guns will be on display, including one that belonged to James McAllister, an American settler.
During the 19th century guns went through a number of technological changes.
The guns on display will document the change from the older flint lock to the more advanced percussion cap mechanism. The exhibit will open at the Brigade Encampment on August 7.
On August 7th and 8th, during the fort's "Brigade Encampment" event, this exhibit will feature a significant artifact from Washington State's history, a pistol originally owned by Chief Leschi.
A prominent figure in the Puget Sound Indian War of 1855-56, Chief Leschi was convicted of murder and executed in 1858. Even at the time, his execution was widely seen as a miscarriage of justice. In recent years a re-creation of his trial with a modern jury exonerated Leschi. Just before being taken into custody, Leschi gave his pistol to a friend, "Tyee Dick". The pistol descended through a local family with both Native and fur trade connections and has not been publicly displayed in many years. Fort Nisqually is proud to host this special exhibit featuring this significant artifact from Washington State's history.
Illuminating the Past: Lighting of the 19th Century
December 4 to April 10, 2011
From candles to whale oil to kerosene and finally electricity. The 19th century was increasingly a brighter and brighter world.
Come to Fort Nisqually's exhibit, Illuminating the Past: Lighting Fort Nisqually, for a peek into a once dimly lit world progressively becoming less so. The exhibit will open at the 19th Century Christmas on December 4.
Last Updated: Aug 20, 2010 3:01 PM