Seattle had its first cable car line in 1887 that went from Pioneer Square to Leschi Park via Yesler Way and Jackson Street. More lines were built around the city and, by 1892, there were 48 miles of streetcar track and 22 miles of cable railways. Most of the early lines were independent and privately-owned. In 1918, voters approved of Seattle Mayor Ole Hanson’s proposal to purchase the system and create the Municipal Street Railway. Unfortunately, it was crippled with debt from the outset and the streetcar system was eventually dismantled in 1941. These signs were attached to the back of the car, showing the line number and the neighborhood or terminal address the car was headed toward.