Looking Back’s theme for 2025 was Thurston County area photographers, artists, and their subjects. Artist James Tilton Pickett was the son of Confederate General George Pickett and Sâkis Tiigang, a Haida woman. James attended Union Academy in Olympia, then art school, and was a talented artist. This drawing by James portrays Mount Rainier as seen from near Steilacoom.
Photograph by Arley Van Epps of J.T. Pickett drawing, Courtesy Washington State Historical Society, State Capital Museum collection, catalog C1945.133.2
Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian 2025