Images of Exploration, Discovery, and Early Settlement in the Pacific Northwest: Home

Special Collections in the University of Washington Libraries holds extensive materials relating to the history and culture of the visual arts in the Pacific Northwest.

This guide showcases a small portion of these holdings. Presented here are highlights of artistic works -- primarily book illustrations, but also original artwork and decorative maps -- which document the exploration, discovery, and settlement of this region, dating from approximately 1770 to 1910.

You are welcome to come into Special Collections to see the materials in-person. Please visit the Special Collections Home Page to read about open hours and regulations for using the Collections. We are located on the lower level of Allen Library South.

The development of this guide was made possible by a grant from the University of Washington Friends of the Libraries, and by support from the Dorlesca and William Peterson Fund for the Pacific Northwest Collection.