"This week I plan to sort out a puzzle that I have wondered about. Why didn't all of the Indians join the fight in the Indian Wars of the 1850s?

It's clear today that many who fought the Indian Wars here were reluctant combatants.

There were reasons for the Indians to fight - land and freedom.

Originally, the Nisqually Reservation was proposed near today's Tolmie State Park, well away from the Nisqually River and the salmon.

I have stood at the site of my great-grandmother's home on the north bank of the Nisqually River. This was part of the Nisqually Reservation until 1917.

Chief Leschi's stand in the war won land on the river, and freedom for the Nisquallys. Some wars are not won with a victory."

Get the Story:
Mike Iyall: Chief Leschi's stand won reservation for Nisquallys (The Olympian 8/11)

Relevant Links:
Nisqually Tribe - http://www.nisqually-nsn.gov