Leschi (Nisqually)
Chief Leschi (/ˈlɛʃaɪ/; Lushootseed: ləšx̌iʔ; 1808 – February 19, 1858) was a chief of the Nisqually Indian Tribe of southern Puget Sound, Washington, primarily in the area of the Nisqually River.
Leschi | |
|---|---|
ləšx̌iʔ | |
Chief Leschi | |
| Nisqually leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1808 near present day Eatonville, Washington |
| Died | February 19, 1858 (aged 49-50) Lake Steilacoom, present-day Lakewood, Washington 47.178575°N 122.542065°W |
| Cause of death | Execution by hanging |
| Resting place | Puyallup Tribal Cemetery – Tacoma, Washington 47.2386°N 122.3989°W |
Following outbreaks of violence and the Yakima Wars (1855–1858), as a leader Leschi was charged with the killings of two Washington Territorial Volunteers. He was hanged for murder on February 19, 1858, although supporters argued that he could not be charged with murder in the death of a combatant in a recognized war. Leschi was informally exonerated in a non-legally binding ruling in 2004 by a Historical Court of Inquiry of Washington State, following a resolution by both houses of the legislature asking the State Supreme Court to vacate his conviction.