Charles C. Terry

Charles Carroll Terry (c.1830 - February 17, 1867), sometimes written as C. C. Terry, was a merchant, ship builder, and one of the first settlers of Elliott Bay in Seattle in Oregon Territory, later part of Washington Territory. Terry and his brother, Leander Terry, were both part of the Denny Party which founded the modern-day city of Seattle in 1851. During his lifetime Terry became one of the richest men in Washington Territory, as well as being one of the founding members of the University of Washington.

Early life and family Charles Carroll Terry was born in 1830 in Sangerfield near Waterville, New York. Terry was the son of Horace Terry (1787-1871) and Betsey Chambers(1789-1853), he was part of the larger Terry family of Enfield, Connecticut. Terry was educated at the common school in Sangerfield and had a total of eight siblings, Terry being the youngest. While in California, Terry became a trader in Willamette Valley where he opened a general store and was a successful small business owner.

Terry settled what is now Alki Point at Puget Sound where he built a store. In 1853, John N. Low sold all his property to Terry, Terry thus became the sole owner of Alki Point. Terry and others had compiled a total of 10 acres of land in order to donate it for the school's campus.

Legacy Lander Hall and Terry Hall, men's dormitories, University of Washington, Seattle, c. 1922

Terry and Lander Halls are named after both Terry and Edward M. Lander for their contributions towards the early history of the University of Washington. The original Terry Hall and Lander Hall were both erected in 1917 for use by the United States Navy stationed nearby. The dormitories themselves were constructed by the Bremerton Naval Yard and later used for general accommodation for male students at the University of Washington.

Terry Street in Seattle and Terry Avenue near University Street in Seattle are named after Terry.