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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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625 results for: Urban

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Image of Street in the Central Area, Seattle, May 8, 1969
Photograph

Street in the Central Area, Seattle, May 8, 1969

The Central Area (also called the Central District or the CD) is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Seattle. Known historically as Seattle’s Black neighborhood, other ethnic groups also called the Central Area home in the early 20th century. Urban development in the area first accelerated in the 1890s, as Seattle’s population rapidly grew. The first settlers were mostly…
ID Number:2000.107.189.01.01
Date:1969
Image of Aerial view of Empire Way and Sick's Stadium, July 11, 1953
Photograph

Aerial view of Empire Way and Sick's Stadium, July 11, 1953

Empire Way’s route was first laid out in 1913, as a state highway heading southeast out of Seattle. It was named for James J. Hill, the head of the Great Northern Railway, who was nicknamed the “Empire Builder.” At first, Empire Way was put together from parts of older roads on the same route. From the 1930s to the 1950s,…
ID Number:2000.107.189.11.01
Date:1953
Image of View of Rainier Avenue and Lake Way looking east, March 1954
Photograph

View of Rainier Avenue and Lake Way looking east, March 1954

Seattle's Atlantic neighborhood (which has also been referred to as Yesler/Atlantic and Judkins Park) is a triangular community in the Central District area, between Mount Baker Ridge and Beacon Hill. One of oldest residential neighborhoods, it was home to Seattle's largest Italian enclaves during the early years of the twentieth century. Like other neighborhoods in central and southeast Seattle, Black…
ID Number:2000.107.189.16.01
Date:1954
Image of Ron Sims fastening tags to sacks of campaign mail, Seattle, September 13, 1985
Photograph

Ron Sims fastening tags to sacks of campaign mail, Seattle, September 13, 1985

In 1985, Ronald Cordell "Ron" Sims (1948-) became the first African American elected to county government in Washington state, winning a seat on the King County Council. He served on the council for three terms and in 1996 was appointed to fill King County Executive Gary Locke's position when he became Washington State Governor; he was re-elected in 1997, 2001…
ID Number:2000.107.198.12.01
Date:1985
Image of Ron Sims speaking at King County Council meeting, Seattle, April 12, 1988
Photograph

Ron Sims speaking at King County Council meeting, Seattle, April 12, 1988

In 1985, Ronald Cordell "Ron" Sims (1948-) became the first African American elected to county government in Washington state, winning a seat on the King County Council. He served on the council for three terms and in 1996 was appointed to fill King County Executive Gary Locke's position when he became Washington State Governor; he was re-elected in 1997, 2001…
ID Number:2000.107.198.12.02
Date:1988
Image of Ron Sims in his office, Seattle, January 1, 1989
Photograph

Ron Sims in his office, Seattle, January 1, 1989

In 1985, Ronald Cordell "Ron" Sims (1948-) became the first African American elected to county government in Washington state, winning a seat on the King County Council. He served on the council for three terms and in 1996 was appointed to fill King County Executive Gary Locke's position when he became Washington State Governor; he was re-elected in 1997, 2001…
ID Number:2000.107.198.12.03
Date:1989
Image of Ron Sims listening to testimony at King County Council meeting, Seattle, March 13, 1992
Photograph

Ron Sims listening to testimony at King County Council meeting, Seattle, March 13, 1992

In 1985, Ronald Cordell "Ron" Sims (1948-) became the first African American elected to county government in Washington state, winning a seat on the King County Council. He served on the council for three terms and in 1996 was appointed to fill King County Executive Gary Locke's position when he became Washington State Governor; he was re-elected in 1997, 2001…
ID Number:2000.107.198.12.04
Date:1992
Image of Sam Smith,  Edwin Pratt, and others at press conference, January 24, 1969
Photograph

Sam Smith, Edwin Pratt, and others at press conference, January 24, 1969

Sam Smith was the first African-American person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958.In January 1969, Councilman…
ID Number:2000.107.200.11.01
Date:1969
Image of Victor Steinbrueck at press conference about saving Pike Place Market, Seattle, March 5, 1969
Photograph

Victor Steinbrueck at press conference about saving Pike Place Market, Seattle, March 5, 1969

In 1964 the Seattle city government, in cooperation with a consortium of downtown business leaders, proposed the redevelopment and “urban renewal” of Pike Place Market. However, many Seattle residents feared that redevelopment would destroy not only the historic buildings but also the atmosphere of the market. They banded together and founded the Friends of the Market to oppose redevelopment plans.…
ID Number:2000.107.205.03.01
Date:1969
Image of Grace Thorpe making sign for protest at courthouse, Seattle, March 16, 1970
Photograph

Grace Thorpe making sign for protest at courthouse, Seattle, March 16, 1970

On March 8, 1970, about 100 members and sympathizers of United Indian People's Council (later United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, or UIATF) occupied Fort Lawton, a 1,100-acre army post in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood. They were inspired by the passage of a bill signed by President Richard Nixon, which granted non-federal entities the ability to obtain surplus federal lands for…
ID Number:2000.107.212.01.01
Date:1970
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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.
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