This area has historical significance where the original Duwamish River split into many channels, slowing its flow, and mixed with tidal bay saltwater to form 1200 acres of habitat-rich marshy area. It is located between the sizeable Indigenous village of t̓uʔəlaltxʷ, “Herring’s House” to its northwest, and the village of yile’qwud (yee-LU-kwuud), “Basket Cap” to its south. The area is also near a small stream called “Draining Creek over Flat Lands.” Archaeological material buried below 12 feet of historic fill suggests t̓uʔəlaltxʷ village extended at least to the intersection of 17th Avenue S.W. and 16th Avenue SW just south of the West Seattle Bridge.
As the city of Seattle grew, this area became valued for its deep water access and flat landscape which was suitable for industrial commerce that the city needed for growth. Consequently, the rich marsh river delta was filled in with dirt removed from city hills, and rubble from various sources increasing the height of the land and the channeling which straightened the river. The filling in of the river delta also eliminated important resources of the tribes which provided food and materials for daily life.
