1792
Peter Puget leads first recorded European tour of southern Puget Sound; meets Indians in offshore island area.
1800
Arrival of the horses in Steilacoom territory; rapidly integrated into the culture of both the Steilacoom and Nisqually Tribes.
1824
Hudson's Bay Company expedition visits a Steilacoom village.
1832
Hudson's Bay Company trading post established in Steilacoom territory after learning that the fur trade had already "much ruined" the beaver population of the Nisqually River.
1841
Red River settlers move into Steilacoom territory from Winnipeg area; many of these were part Indian (Sioux, Cree, etc.) and intermarried with Steilacoom Indians.
1849
US Army establishes Fort Steilacoom.
1851
Townsite of Steilacoom established.
1854
Treaty of Medicine Creek signed between Nisqually, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Squaxin, and other smaller Tribes and the U. S. Government.
1855
Territorial War begins in response to proposed Nisqually Reservation and other treaty issues. Some Steilacoom Indians join in the fighting with the Nisqually; at least 120 are interned on Fox Island, others stay in the neighborhood of Fort Steilacoom, some are shipped to Squaxin Island, and a few continue to work for the Puget Sounds Agricultural Company.
1856
Fox Island Council marks end to Territorial War on Puget Sound. Steilacoom leader Sam Young addresses Tribes and requests a reservation along Steilacoom Creek (now Chambers Creek) from Governor Stevens. Reservation settlement begins; some Steilacoom decide to remain in traditional territory after not being given a reservation of their own.
1858-1860
Catholic priests on a mission among the Indians record baptisms of members "de la tribu de Steilacoom."
1858-1861
Only an estimated 32% of the members of the Medicine Creek tribes are living on reservations.
1859-1862
Town of Steilacoom has 500 residents - 100 whites and 300 Indians. Steilacoom Indians residing there are mainly in "Shacks along the waterfront."
1878
Partial census taken of off-reservation Steilacoom Indians includes Sam Young and other leaders.
1880
Rev. Myron Eells visits and photographs the "Steilacoom Indians at Home."
1883
Sam Young's youngest son kidnapped from family home on Chambers Creek by Puyallup Tribal police and forced to attend agency school.
1889
Washington gains statehood.
