Seattle's first substantial bridge to cross Lake Union was the Latona Bridge, a pile-driven, fixed-span bridge linking the Eastlake neighborhood to the University District at Portage Bay. Constructed in 1891 for Seattle pioneer and investor David T. Denny (1832-1903) as an extension of his Rainier Power & Railway Co., the bridge was rebuilt in 1902 to allow pedestrian and vehicular traffic. When the Lake Washington Ship Canal opened in 1917, linking Lake Washington, Lake Union, and the Puget Sound, the Latona Bridge had to be remodeled again. In 1919 the University Bridge, a bascule bridge, replaced the Latona Bridge.
This image of the Latona Bridge was taken facing south west and looking towards Lake Union, with Queen Anne Hill visible in the distance at the far right of the frame. Notable in this image are the many ways people traveled at the time: by boats, on foot, and in horse-drawn wagons, automobiles, trucks, and electric trolleys.
Webster & Stevens number: 67579
Caption information source: "Latona Bridge and University Bridge (Seattle)," by John Caldbick, HistoryLink.org Essay 20389 Caption information source: https://pauldorpat.com/2013/06/29/seattle-now-then-the-latona-bridge
Physical Description: 1 negative : nitrate, b&w ; 8 x 10 in. ; sulfiding
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
