In 1873, the Northern Pacific Railroad selected the south shore of Commencement Bay as the terminus of its transcontinental line. Connected to, but independent of the railroad, the Tacoma Land Company created a city adjacent to the terminus. By the early years of the 20th century, downtown Tacoma was the place to go for a wide array of activities from retail shopping and government activity to entertainment. Streetcars, and then automobiles, contributed to the ever-changing vitality of people and place. After the late 1960s, when developers constructed a mall south of the central core, city planners created a new type of urban experience centered on amenities designed to lure tourists and Tacomans alike.

Downtown Tacoma (Images of America)

Arts & Photography

Denyer Gallacci, Caroline

Karabaich, Ron

Photography & Video

Arcadia Publishing

Tacoma, like most cities across the nation, has changed its appearance over time, creating many different urban landscapes. This phenomenon was apparent throughout the area as landowners, developers, community organizations, and government agencies all contributed to the city’s growth and transformation. The changing landscape was further impacted by fires, earthquakes, and other acts of nature, resulting in a rich mosaic of old and new. The history of Vanishing Tacoma illustrates the city’s past and present landscapes and honors the historic properties that still remain.

Vanishing Tacoma (Images of America)

Gallacci, Caroline

Downtown Tacoma

History

Gallacci, Caroline Denyer

Americas

Arcadia Publishing Library Editions

Tacoma, like most cities across the nation, has changed its appearance over time, creating many different urban landscapes. This phenomenon was apparent throughout the area as landowners, developers, community organizations, and government agencies all contributed to the city's growth and transformation. The changing landscape was further impacted by fires, earthquakes, and other acts of nature, resulting in a rich mosaic of old and new. The history of Vanishing Tacoma illustrates the city's past and present landscapes and honors the historic properties that still remain.

Vanishing Tacoma

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Books by Karabaich, Ron