The collection consists of nine (9) drawings of Fort Simpson (also known as Port Simpson and Lax-Kwʼalaams) and Tsimshian subjects. The drawings have been attributed to James G. Swan on basis of the handwritten captions and subject matter. Swan was at Fort Simpson in 1883.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
Biographical Note:
James Gilchrist Swan (1818–1900) was an American writer, artist, collector of Native American artifacts, and political advisor who is known for his study of indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Born in Massachusetts, he spent most of his adult life in the Washington Territory. His prolific writing documented both pioneer society and indigenous cultures. The Smithsonian Institution hired Swan to collect Pacific Northwest Coast artifacts for the 1876 world's fair in Philadelphia, the 1884 fair in London, and the 1893 exposition in Chicago. Swan died in Port Townsend in 1900.
Local Numbers:
MS 76608
OPPS NEG 45,604-c--f
Variant Title:
View of Fort Simpson (British Columbia), and Indians
Rights:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Genre/Form:
Works of art
Drawings
Citation:
Drawings of Fort Simpson, British Columbia and Tsimshian subjects, possibly by James G. Swan (MS 76608), National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution