Nahwitti (trading site)

It was one of the most popular sites for Western trading vessels on the Pacific Northwest coast, and the primary point of contact with the Kwakwakaʼwakw peoples.

Hundreds of trading vessels, mostly British and American, visited during this time, mainly seeking sea otter skins to take to China, where they commanded a high price.

[4] According to the Boston-based trader and merchant William F. Sturgis, regular American trade at Nahwitti began after a visit by captain Asa Dodge of the Alexander in 1800, who procured 600 sea otter skins at low prices.

[2] In June 1805 six American ships gathered at Nahwitti during the aftermath of an attack on the Atahualpa at Milbanke Sound.

Two months later the Caroline visited Nahwitti and purchased 330 sea otter pelts, despite the very active trading season.

The North West Coast during the maritime fur trade era, about 1785 to 1850. Nahwitti is here spelled Newhitty, a common variant spelling.