Once it was believed that the Coast culture was essentially an extension of that of Asia. Anthropologists now argue that it was derived from that of ancient Eskimos and spread through the interior to the coast. Although no definitive answer is yet possible, it has been documented that Indian civilization on Washington's northwestern coast has existed continuously for nearly six thousand years, and some scholars estimate that human habitation of the Pacific Northwest dates back twelve thousand years.
Historically, it was thought that the culture of the Coast was essentially a continuation of Asian influences. However, current anthropological research suggests that it actually originated from ancient Eskimo societies and made its way to the coast through inland migration. This shift in understanding highlights the complexities surrounding cultural development in this region.
Evidence shows that the Indigenous peoples of Washington's northwestern coast have maintained their civilization for approximately six thousand years, with some estimates pointing to human presence in the Pacific Northwest as far back as twelve thousand years. This long history underscores the rich cultural heritage of the area, challenging previous assumptions about its origins.
