Tacoma history

The history of Tacoma is inextricably linked to its strategic location on the shores of Puget Sound and a key 19th-century decision that determined its fate. Long before the arrival of European settlers, these lands were home to indigenous peoples, particularly the Puyallup tribe, whose culture and life were closely tied to the region's rich natural resources. The city's name comes from the word "Tahoma" — one of the Native American names for Mount Rainier.

Founding and First Settlers

The first European settler to establish a permanent residence on the shores of Commencement Bay in 1864 was Civil War veteran Job Carr. He built a cabin in hopes of profiting from the future construction of the transcontinental railroad. He soon sold most of his land to entrepreneur Morton McCarver, who began developing the settlement, naming it "Tacoma City".

Key Factors of Development

The main catalyst for Tacoma's growth was a decision made in 1873: the city was chosen as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This earned Tacoma the nickname "City of Destiny". The choice was driven by several factors:

• Geography: The deep-water port in Commencement Bay was the ideal location for transferring cargo from trains to ships. The city's motto became the phrase "When rails meet sails".
• Trade: The railroad opened the way for the export of the region's vast wealth — primarily timber and coal — to markets across the country.
• Economic Boom: Following the completion of the transcontinental line in 1887, the city's population began to grow rapidly, increasing from approximately 1,100 people in 1880 to more than 36,000 in 1890.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the late 19th century, Tacoma was a bustling industrial hub. The city's economy focused on the timber industry, shipbuilding, and rail transport. Rapid development led to the formation of a multinational community. During this period, the foundations were laid for the city's future transformation into an important economic and cultural node of the Puget Sound region.

Timeline of Key Events

Tacoma's history is full of important events that shaped its unique character — from the railroad boom to its cultural renaissance.

• 1873 — Tacoma is selected as the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, determining its future as a major transport hub.
• 1875 — The settlement officially receives city status.
• 1883 — Construction of the transcontinental railway line is completed, connecting the city to the rest of the country and giving it the nickname "City of Destiny".
• 1888 — The University of Puget Sound is founded, becoming one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the US Northwest.
• 1911 — The majestic Union Station opens, which today serves as a federal courthouse and an architectural gem of the city.
• 1940 (1 July) — The opening of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge takes place, which at that time was the third-longest suspension bridge in the world.
• 1940 (7 November) — Just four months after opening, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, nicknamed "Galloping Gertie", collapsed due to aeroelastic flutter, entering the history of engineering.
• 1950 — A new, more reliable Tacoma Narrows Bridge is opened, built to replace the collapsed one.
• 1990 — The campus of the University of Washington Tacoma opens, marking the beginning of a large-scale reconstruction and revitalization of the historic city centre.
• 2002 — The Museum of Glass opens, becoming a world-renowned centre for glass art and a key cultural attraction in Tacoma.
• 2003 — The Tacoma Link light rail begins operation, connecting key points in the city centre.

Key Milestones in Tacoma's Development

Tacoma's development is a story of transformation, from an industrial centre to the cultural capital of the region. The city has gone through several key stages that have defined its modern appearance and economy.

• Railroad Boom (Late 19th Century): The selection of Tacoma as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1873 was a decisive event. This attracted investment, caused rapid population growth, and cemented the city's nickname "City of Destiny", turning it into a major port for timber and coal exports.
• Industrial Heyday (First Half of the 20th Century): The city's economy focused on the timber industry, shipbuilding, and metallurgy. The deep-water port and developed railway network made Tacoma one of the most important industrial centres on the West Coast.
• Collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940): The collapse of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge, nicknamed "Galloping Gertie", just four months after opening became a world-famous example of engineering miscalculation. This event forever entered the city's history and had a huge impact on suspension bridge design approaches worldwide.
• Post-War Decline (1960s – 1980s): With the decline of traditional industries and the growth of suburban areas, downtown Tacoma experienced a period of economic stagnation. Many historic buildings were abandoned, and business activity shifted to the outskirts.
• Founding of the University of Washington Campus (1990): The decision to locate a branch of the University of Washington in the historic warehouse district became a catalyst for the revival of downtown. Abandoned brick buildings were renovated and transformed into a modern educational and cultural cluster, bringing life back to the city centre.
• Cultural Renaissance (Early 2000s): The opening of iconic cultural institutions such as the Museum of Glass in 2002 and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass marked a new era. Tacoma transformed from an industrial city into a recognized centre of art, especially glass art, attracting tourists and new talent.
• Transport System Modernization (2000s – Present): The launch of the Tacoma Link light rail in 2003 and its subsequent expansion improved transport accessibility in the centre. Together with the ongoing modernization of the port, which is one of the largest in North America, this strengthens Tacoma's role as an important logistics and economic hub.

The architectural appearance of Tacoma is a visual history of the city, from its meteoric rise in the late 19th century to its modern cultural renaissance. Its development can be divided into several key stages, each of which has left its mark on the streets and skyline of the city.

The "Golden Age" on Rails: Late 19th — Early 20th Century

The status of being the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad brought Tacoma prosperity, which was reflected in monumental architecture. This period, often called the city's "Gilded Age", is characterized by the prevalence of majestic styles.

• Beaux-Arts: This style, inspired by classical architecture, embodied the wealth and ambition of the "City of Destiny". Its main masterpiece is Union Station, opened in 1911. Designed by the firm that created Grand Central Terminal in New York, it impresses with its grandeur, and its 27-metre copper dome remains one of Tacoma's symbols.
• Second Renaissance Revival and Romanesque Style: Many commercial and public buildings of that time were built in these styles, characterized by massiveness, arched windows, and rich decoration. Examples can be found in the Old City Hall Historic District and surrounding blocks, for instance, in the Pythian Temple building.

During this same period, the Warehouse District was formed — a complex of sturdy brick buildings serving the port and railroad. These utilitarian structures would play a key role in the city's future transformation.

Modernism, Decline, and Revival: Mid-20th — Early 21st Century

The mid-20th century was a period of decline for downtown Tacoma due to the diminishing role of the railroad and the growth of suburbs. However, since the 1990s, a large-scale revival has begun, based on two architectural approaches: heritage preservation and the creation of new icons.

• Adaptive Reuse: The best example of this approach was the creation of the University of Washington Tacoma campus. Instead of demolishing old buildings, historic brick warehouses were carefully renovated and turned into modern academic buildings. This breathed new life into the entire district while preserving its historic character.
• Modern Architecture: The city's cultural renaissance was marked by the appearance of iconic modern buildings. Central among them is the Museum of Glass, opened in 2002. Its cone-shaped tower made of steel and glass became a new, futuristic symbol of Tacoma, reflecting its status as a centre of glass art.

Thus, Tacoma's urban development demonstrates a harmonious blend of eras: from the restored gems of the "Golden Age", such as Union Station, which today serves as a federal courthouse, to the bold forms of modern architecture that define its future.

Notable Figures Associated with Tacoma

Tacoma, the "City of Destiny", has been the birthplace or an important stage in life for many talented and influential people who have left their mark on art, literature, music, and sports. Here are some of the most famous figures whose names are inextricably linked with this city on the shores of Puget Sound.

• Dale Chihuly — World-renowned glass artist. Born in Tacoma in 1941, Chihuly became a pioneer in the avant-garde studio glass movement. His large-scale and colourful installations adorn museums and public spaces around the world. He is the founder of the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, and his famous Bridge of Glass has become one of the city's landmarks.
• Bing Crosby — Legendary singer and actor. Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby Jr. was born in Tacoma on 3 May 1903. Although his family moved to Spokane when he was a child, Tacoma remains the birthplace of one of the greatest stars of the 20th century. His velvet voice and effortless performance style made him an icon of popular music, and his recording of "White Christmas" remains the best-selling single of all time.
• Frank Herbert — Science fiction writer, author of the cult novel "Dune". Herbert was born in Tacoma on 8 October 1920 and spent his childhood and youth here. His epic saga, exploring complex themes of ecology, politics, and religion, became one of the best-selling science fiction novels in history and had a huge influence on the genre. A trail and peninsula in Point Defiance Park are named in his honour.
• Gary Larson — Creator of the famous comic strip "The Far Side". Larson was born and raised in Tacoma and graduated from Washington State University. His single-panel comics, known for their surreal and often "scientific" humour, were published in thousands of newspapers around the world and brought him numerous awards and the recognition of millions of fans.
• Jerry Cantrell — Guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the cult grunge band Alice in Chains. Cantrell was born in Tacoma on 18 March 1966. He played a key role in shaping the Seattle grunge sound, which gained global popularity in the early 1990s. His powerful guitar riffs and vocal harmonies became an integral part of the band's sound.
• Isaiah Thomas — Professional basketball player who played in the NBA. Thomas was born in Tacoma and is a graduate of the local Curtis High School. Despite being short for a basketball player, he became a two-time NBA All-Star and is known for his scoring ability and tenacity. He actively supports the community of his hometown.