The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 was a significant turning point in Seattle's history and changed both the physical and political landscapes of the City. 100 acres of Seattle's business district and waterfront were destroyed. The burned areas were guarded and patrolled by members of the Washington National Guard from Seattle, Tacoma, and Port Townsend until June 11, 1889. Looting began and the commander called for reserves from Vancouver in southern Washington Territory to relieve the exhausted militia, and Company H of the First Regiment arrived on June 15. Martial law was never in effect, and the National Guard turned looters over to the regular civil courts. On June 18th, the Seattle police swore in special policemen to take over for the National Guard.

This image shows the officers of the Washington National Guard during the time of the Great Seattle Fire. They are posing on the grounds of the Territorial University of Washington (now UW), between Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue on University Street.

Original caption: "Officers of the Washington National Guard at the time of the Fire of 1889. Standing, left to right: A.P. Brown, J.M. Howell, J.A. Hatfield, S.W. Scott; William Kimbell, J.C. Haines, Fred Grant, L.S. Booth, Paul D. Heirry, William T. Sharpe, and last four names not known; Sitting, left to right: William H. Gorham, E.M. Carr, Joseph Green; Joseph W. Phillips, William R. Thornell; William H. Fife L.A. Dawson, C.L.F. Kellogg."

Caption information source: "161st Infantry Regiment, Washington National Guard," by Duane Colt Denfeld, Ph.D., HistoryLink.org Essay 10021