Seattle was growing rapidly in the 1890s, boosted by recent railroad connections as well as a rebuilding boom following the Great Fire in 1889. The area around Pioneer Square was devastated by the fire, and many of the destroyed wooden buildings were replaced by larger, modern brick buildings, including most of the buildings visible here.

This photo was taken in Pioneer Square and shows First Avenue running north from Yesler Way. The Pioneer Building on the right was commissioned by Henry Yesler and was built on the site of his former home. The Merchants National Bank building on the left was also constructed after the Great Fire, on the bank's pre-fire location. Pedestrians share the street with trolleys and horse-drawn carriages, and at left, a photographer stands with his camera in the intersection taking a photo.