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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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736 results for: Transportation

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Image of Boats at Galbraith Dock, Seattle, circa 1908
Photograph

Boats at Galbraith Dock, Seattle, circa 1908

Shortly after the 1889 fire, James Galbraith and Cecil Bacon established a wholesale business dealing in grain, hay, and construction materials at the foot of Washington Street. By 1900, they had moved to Pier 3 (now Pier 54) shown in this photograph. Signs in image: Pier No. 4 - Arlington Dock Company. The Miner Hotel. Owl 5 Cent Cigar. Cremo…
ID Number:1983.10.8034
Date:Circa 1908
Image of Looking up the counterbalance, Queen Anne Avenue, circa 1900
Photograph

Looking up the counterbalance, Queen Anne Avenue, circa 1900

Cable cars were well suited to Seattle's steep hills. The North Seattle Cable Railway Company began construction on the Queen Anne cable car line in 1890. On Queen Anne Avenue, the car was linked by cable to a 16-ton counterbalance weight. As the weight slid down the hill in its underground tunnel, it pulled the cable car up. When the…
ID Number:1983.10.8356
Date:Circa 1900
Image of Family in Winton Six automobile, probably in Seattle, 1910
Photograph

Family in Winton Six automobile, probably in Seattle, 1910

Photographer's Reference Number: 10632
ID Number:1983.10.8357
Date:1910
Image of Pergola in Pioneer Square, Seattle, circa 1909
Photograph

Pergola in Pioneer Square, Seattle, circa 1909

The Pioneer Square Pergola, located at the intersection of First Avenue and Yesler Way, was constructed in 1909 to give shelter to passengers waiting for cable cars. The structure included an underground public restroom which was closed after cable car service ended in the 1940s. The pergola was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Signs in image: Hub [...]…
ID Number:1983.10.8576
Date:Circa 1909
Image of Traffic at First and Pike, 1919
Photograph

Traffic at First and Pike, 1919

It seems as if Seattle has always had traffic jams at the corner of First Avenue and Pike Street. This 1919 photo shows streetcars travelling along the brick-paved avenue in both directions and a line of cars headed south. The traffic waits at the corner while pedestrians cross the streets on their way to the Pike Place Market. The large…
ID Number:1983.10.8580
Date:1919
Image of Snow scene on Second Avenue, February 2, 1916
Photograph

Snow scene on Second Avenue, February 2, 1916

Seattle is unaccustomed to heavy snow. When over three feet of snow fell between January 31 and February 2, 1916, city workers and snowplows struggled to keep downtown intersections and streetcar tracks clear. According to the Seattle Times, passing automobiles pushed the snow and slush back onto the cleared spaces. The freezing mass turned into giant snowballs which caused "the…
ID Number:1983.10.8585
Date:1916
Image of Passengers and jitney bus stalled in the snow, February 2, 1916
Photograph

Passengers and jitney bus stalled in the snow, February 2, 1916

During the 1916 blizzard, so much snow clogged Seattle's streets that the hill neighborhoods and outlying areas were virtually isolated from the downtown area. The Seattle Times reported that about 20 jitney buses continued in service, although many citizens complained about the high rates they were charged by the drivers.In this photo, taken during the 1916 blizzard, the driver and…
ID Number:1983.10.8586
Date:1916
Image of Charles Hamilton's plane crash, March 12-13, 1910
Photograph

Charles Hamilton's plane crash, March 12-13, 1910

On March 12, 1910, Charles Hamilton became the first person to fly an airplane in Seattle. He lost control of his plane, and it crashed into a small lake. Hamilton was unhurt, however, and made a flight the next day in his other biplane. Webster & Stevens number: 15055
ID Number:1983.10.8599.2
Date:1910
Image of Charles K. Hamilton and his Curtiss biplane, March 1910
Photograph

Charles K. Hamilton and his Curtiss biplane, March 1910

In March 1910, Charles Hamilton became the first person to fly an airplane in Seattle. He circled above enthusiastic onlookers at Meadows Race Track, located near present-day Boeing Field.In this photo, pilot Charles Hamilton stands by his plane. It is a very early model, made of wood, metal, and cloth. It could carry only one person at a time--the pilot.…
ID Number:1983.10.8600.1
Date:1910
Image of Charles Hamilton's biplane in flight, 1910
Photograph

Charles Hamilton's biplane in flight, 1910

In March 1910, Charles Hamilton became the first person to fly an airplane in Seattle. In this photo, the biplane's fragile design is very clear. Webster & Stevens number: 15058
ID Number:1983.10.8601.2
Date:1910
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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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