Chetzemoka the Man

The Native American leader Chetzemoka [called Duke of York by early settlers] was born on Kah Tai beach about the year 1808, his father being Lah-Ka-Nim, a member of the Skagit tribe.  His mother was Quah-Tum-A-Low, a Klallam Indian.  See-Hei-Met-Za, his wife, was called Queen Victoria.

Chetzemoka was about 40 years old when Port Townsend was first settled in 1851. Chetzemoka’s father and his tribe met the white sailors when they first visited the area and relationships were friendly.

Many times over his life Chief Chetzemoka proved a loyal friend to those early settlers.  At one point he alerted them to an attack by northern tribes, which undoubtedly saved many lives.

When the U.S. Customs House was being built in Port Townsend, a suggestion was made by the settlers that the capitals at the south entrance be ornamented with carvings, presenting the features of prominent local Indians.

 “For generations to come, the broad faces of the Duke and his consort, cut in stone, will continue to overlook the waters of the bay that were once disturbed by no other craft than the graceful canoes of the old Chief and his people.” [By Juan de Fuca’s Strait by James G. McCurdy]