HomeCollections and ResearchCollections SearchSeattle's downtown before the Great Fire, 1883

Search by Collection

Not finding what you are looking for?
Ask the MOHAI Collections Staff

Back to Results
Image of Seattle's downtown before the Great Fire, 1883
1983.10.6343
View full size image or right-click on image to save
Photograph

Seattle's downtown before the Great Fire, 1883

Order an Image
In the 1880s, Seattle's business district was near Pioneer Square. Loggers, miners, and others came to this part of the city to find work, supplies, and entertainment. Others came to Seattle to attend the Territorial University, which stood on a hill above the city.

This photo, taken around 1884, shows the intersection of Commercial Street (now First Avenue South) and Main Street looking north towards Mill Street (now Yesler Way). The University of the Territory of Washington is in the center distance.

Notes: Original copy negative. Copied after 1902 by Webster & Stevens.
ID Number: 1983.10.6343
Date: 1883
Creator(s): Webster & Stevens, Photographer
Physical Description: 1 negative : glass, b&w ; 6.5 x 8.5 in.
Credit: MOHAI, PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, 1983.10.6343
Copyright: No Known Copyright
Subjects: Washington Territory, European American Settlement

Other matching results

Image of Cherry Street in over five feet of snow, 1880

Cherry Street in over five feet of snow, 1880
Image of Locomotive A.A. Denny, circa 1880

Locomotive A.A. Denny, circa 1880
Image of First Avenue and Spring Street, Seattle, circa 1911

First Avenue and Spring Street, Seattle, circa 1911
Image of First railroad depot in Seattle, circa 1880

First railroad depot in Seattle, circa 1880
Image of King Street railroad yard, Seattle, circa 1883

King Street railroad yard, Seattle, circa 1883
Image of Doc Maynard's former home, circa 1880

Doc Maynard's former home, circa 1880
Image of Henry and Sarah Yesler residence, Seattle, circa 1860

Henry and Sarah Yesler residence, Seattle, circa 1860
Image of Seattle's downtown before the Great Fire, 1883

Seattle's downtown before the Great Fire, 1883
Image of Western Mill and southern Lake Union, circa 1885

Western Mill and southern Lake Union, circa 1885
Image of View of Enumclaw, Washington, circa 1905

View of Enumclaw, Washington, circa 1905

Land Acknowledgement

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

Copyright 2026, Museum of History & Industry. All Rights Reserved