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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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204 results for: Railroads

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Image of Salvation Army Industrial Department on Holgate Street, Seattle, May 22, 1923
Photograph

Salvation Army Industrial Department on Holgate Street, Seattle, May 22, 1923

This photograph of the exterior of the Salvation Army Industrial Department building on Holgate Street in Seattle was taken on May 22, 1923. This area south of downtown Seattle was originally made up of tidal flats; soil dredged from the Duwamish River and sluiced from the Denny triangle and Beacon Hill regrades was used to create this industrial area needed…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.18
Date:1923
Image of View of Holgate Street looking east at 9th Avenue South, Seattle, May 22, 1923
Photograph

View of Holgate Street looking east at 9th Avenue South, Seattle, May 22, 1923

This photograph of Holgate Street looking east towards Beacon Hill depicts two workmen at ground level, perhaps working on the pilings which raise the street and buildings above the marshy ground. Other pedestrians are also visible. This area south of downtown Seattle was originally made up of tidal flats; soil dredged from the Duwamish River and sluiced from the Denny…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.19
Date:1923
Image of View of Holgate Street and Plum Street intersection at 9th Avenue South, Seattle, May 22, 1923
Photograph

View of Holgate Street and Plum Street intersection at 9th Avenue South, Seattle, May 22, 1923

The image is looking southwest on Holgate Avenue at the Plum Street intersection, from 9th Avenue. This area south of downtown Seattle was originally made up of tidal flats; soil dredged from the Duwamish River and sluiced from the Denny triangle and Beacon Hill regrades was used to create this industrial area needed by area businesses and railroads.This photo is…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.20
Date:1923
Image of View of 9th Avenue South and Stacy Street, Seattle, May 23, 1923
Photograph

View of 9th Avenue South and Stacy Street, Seattle, May 23, 1923

This photograph looks north on 9th Avenue South and Stacy Street in Seattle. Several wooden buildings belonging to Frye & Company are visible, with large white painted letters reading, "Frye's Delicious Brand Hams & Bacon, Wild Rose Lard." Motorcars line the street as well as horses hitched to delivery wagons. This area south of downtown Seattle was originally made up…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.29
Date:1923
Image of View of Seattle west from Beacon Hill, May 28, 1923
Photograph

View of Seattle west from Beacon Hill, May 28, 1923

This photograph of the northwest side of Beacon Hill in Seattle is facing west out towards Elliott Bay, which is just visible at the top of the frame. Visible in the image are residential homes as well as many commercial properties and buildings, showing the early development of what would be come an important industrial area of Seattle. This area…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.33
Date:1923
Image of Beacon Hill regrading, Seattle, July 2, 1923
Photograph

Beacon Hill regrading, Seattle, July 2, 1923

This photograph shows the north end of Beacon Hill facing north. Dearborn Street is visible coming from the left center edge of the frame, between Beacon Hill and what will later be the Chinatown - International District of Seattle. Advertisement billboards visible in the image are for Wrigley's Gum and Wing Foot Tires. This area south of downtown Seattle was…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.58
Date:1923
Image of View of 9th Avenue South, Seattle, July 17, 1923
Photograph

View of 9th Avenue South, Seattle, July 17, 1923

This photograph of 9th Avenue South is looking North, with First Hill in the distance and Beacon Hill on the right. There are two men on the right of the plank road who appear to be at work, another man looks on from the right side of the road. This area south of downtown Seattle was originally made up of…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.71
Date:1923
Image of View of 9th Avenue South at Hanford Street, Seattle, October 27, 1923
Photograph

View of 9th Avenue South at Hanford Street, Seattle, October 27, 1923

This photograph of 9th Avenue South at Hanford Street in Seattle was taken facing north, with Beacon Hill visible on the right. This area south of downtown Seattle was originally made up of tidal flats; soil dredged from the Duwamish River and sluiced from the Denny triangle and Beacon Hill regrades was used to create this industrial area needed by…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.7.2.113
Date:1923
Image of Great Northern switchback, circa 1892
Photograph

Great Northern switchback, circa 1892

During the winter of 1892-1893, workers extended the Great Northern Railway tracks through Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Construction work continued even in heavy snow.This photo, taken by Anders Wilse during the winter of 1892-1893, shows a switchback west of the summit at Stevens Pass. A switchback is a sharp s-curve of tracks, usually used to zigzag up (or…
ID Number:Lib1988.33.212
Date:Circa 1892
Image of Great Northern Railway power plant, circa 1898
Photograph

Great Northern Railway power plant, circa 1898

In 1897, the Great Northern Railway began building a 2.6 mile-long tunnel near Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Electricity was used in construction and, after 1909, was used to power trains in the tunnel. This avoided the buildup of smoke and gases which were dangerous to both crew and passengers.This photo shows the Great Northern Railway's power plant near…
ID Number:Lib1988.33.214
Date:Circa 1898
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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