This paper explores the narratives and the issues surrounding the so-called "Battle of Seattle" of January 26, 1856. It reviews the primary sources for their biases that were used in shaping the narratives handed down to us, including conflicts generated by the 1855 treaties, the White River massacre, through the battle itself, and its resonance. The paper then addresses three additional themes. First is a survey of documents relating to the unnamed African-American sailor who begged permission to leave the ship Decatur and bear arms to protect the city, qualifying perhaps as the first African-American in Seattle's history. Second is a consideration of Harmon's "Indians in the Making" to illuminate ways in which hostilities forced everyone to define themselves. This invites consideration of a new "Settlers in the Making". Caucasian men married to Indian women were suspect, pressuring them to choose sides and define their loyalty, or risk the consequences. Third is an evaluation of the role of Chinook Trade Jargon in the events leading up to the outbreak of the battle. All of these issues affect the way future accounts of this turning point in Native - settler relations will be passed on.