Prior to the European invasion, the people of the Northwest Coast lived in large, multi-family houses built with planks on a post and beam frame which were usually arranged in a single row facing the water. Coast Salish houses were typically 30 to 50 feet wide and they ranged from 50 to 200 feet in length. In the Puget Sound area, houses were 25 to 30 feet wide and from 30 to 50 feet long. The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma has a large exhibit of the plank longhouse.
Indians 101
Twice each week, Indians 101 explore different topics relating to American Indian cultures, histories, biographies, arts, museums, and current concerns. More about the American Indian nations of the Northwest Coast from this series:
Indians 101: The Northwest Coast Culture Area
Indians 101: Northwest Coast House Panels (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Northwest Coast Canoes
Indians 201: Totem Poles
Indians 101: The Potlatch
Indians 101: Tlingit Migrations
Indians 101: Haida Argillite Carvings (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Northwest Coast Masks (Photo Diary)