The Denny Party, consisting of several families, landed at Alki Point, which is part of modern-day West Seattle, on a chilly November day in 1851. The group, comprised of approximately 30 individuals led by Arthur Denny, had sailed from the East Coast to explore the potential for settlement in the Pacific Northwest. Their primary objective was to find a place suitable for farming and starting anew in what was considered a land of promise. Upon arriving at Alki Point, they immediately began to establish makeshift homes and infrastructure, utilizing available resources from the native landscape. However, after a short period, the Denny Party determined that the area lacked essential resources, such as a suitable water supply and better protection from the weather, prompting them to explore other locales. Shortly thereafter, they moved across Elliott Bay to what would become the burgeoning city of Seattle, an area with more favorable conditions for settlement.

This transition happened swiftly, as the Denny Party recognized the strategic advantages of the new location, including access to freshwater and a more sheltered harbor. Here, they continued their efforts to build a community, engaging in trade and establishing relationships with local Native American tribes. Over the following years, the Denny Party was instrumental in laying the foundations of a new town that attracted more settlers and fostered economic growth. Their initiatives included establishing schools, businesses, and civic organizations that contributed to the area's development. This migration spurred the transformation of Seattle from a small settlement to a thriving urban center, setting the stage for future access to commerce and resources in the rapidly expanding American West.