'Renaissance Woman' of the Pioneer Age presented at Fort Steilacoom

Laura Belle Downey Bartlett, Renaissance woman, will be presented by local historian and writer Nancy Covert at Fort Steilacoom on Sunday, March 11 at 2 p.m.

Translator of Chinook, author of Northwest History books, musician, playwright, avid collector—of photos, documents and more, as well as a mining engineer…Belle was all of these during her 82 years of life.

Belle Downey Bartlett, born in Missouri, traveled with her family in the wagon train that crossed over Naches Pass. The 2-year-old child almost drowned during one of the many river crossings the wagons made during one stretch of the trip. However, Belle was saved along with her doll and a basket.

The  woman who made a unique mark on Northwest History, is the topic at Historic Fort Steilacoom. Some of  her personal  belongings will be on display at the presentation.

Fort Steilacoom is located at 9601Steilacoom Blvd., SW, in Lakewood. (on the grounds of Western State Hospital) Call 253-582-5838 for information.