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. One hundred 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 Company E of the Washington National Guard lined up on Front Street (now First Avenue) between Columbia Street and Cherry Street. Men working can be seen behind the guard members, clearing debris from the fire.

Caption on copy: The east side of First Avenue from Columbia to Cherry street a few days after the fire. Company E National guard under Captain Carr and Lieut. Thornell see in the picture. Many of Seattle's prominent citizens can be seen as O. P. Anderson, Herman Chapin, Banker, Fred James Grant, Editor of the P. I., and Judge R. Be. Albertson et al.

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