Looking Back’s theme for 2025 featured Thurston County area photographers. James Wickersham is best remembered for his connection with Alaska, but had an earlier career in the Puget Sound area. He befriended members of the Squaxin Tribe in Mud Bay, and as an amateur photographer he documented images of tribal members and living conditions. Shown here is his photograph of a Squaxin home, from the late 1880s or early 1890s.
James Wickersham photo, late 1800s, University of Alaska Wickersham Collection
Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian 2025