Introduction
Once called the “Ivied Cottage” because it was draped with ivy, the Barker Cabin is the oldest original structure in the Federal Way area. The Historical Society of Federal Way (HSFW) has restored the historic Barker Cabin for public display at the entrance to West Hylebos Wetlands Park on South 348th Street and Fourth Avenue South in Federal Way, Washington. This monograph is intended to give a description of John Barker and his family, to describe the building of a cabin for use by him and his family on his homestead claim, to discuss why the cabin was moved to its present location and to describe the restoration work.
This version of the Barker Cabin is a completely revised and expanded version of the June 10, 2003 version previously available.
There is a great deal of inconsistency concerning dates of various events given in available source material. I have tried to provide all the information available and then present my explanation and opinion concerning correctness.
