Seattle Historical Photograph Collection
Preview up to 100 items from this collection below. More than 2,000 images reveal Seattle’s evolution. Early photos capture Seattle’s pioneers, the Great Fire of 1889 and the Denny Regrade along with historical buildings, streets and landmarks.
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"Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition," The Coast, February 1909
An article discussing the importance of completing preparations for the exposition by the projected opening day (June 1, 1909). From page 131, "all buildings that are not finished by [opening day] will be removed and the grounds restored to their original condition." Plans for lighting and landscaping are discussed. Coast 17.2 (February 1909): 131-34, illustrated.
Identifier: spl_ayp_179583_feb1909
Date: 1909-02
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Jewish Transcript, v. 24, no. 1, Sep. 15, 1947
Special Rosh Hashonah Edition.
Identifier: spl_jt_3018327_24_01
Date: 1947-09-15
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On Boulevard West
Boulevards of the World at the Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). "The Boulevards of the World area is the shopping center of the fair. Stores, stands and kiosks displaying the goods and gifts of a dozen nations line the gay and colorful thoroughfares that tie the five theme Worlds of Century 21 together. Exotic shops and restaurants are on Boulevard East, Boulevard West, Freedom Way and United Nations Way. In among the bazaars are fine restaurants and elegant exhibits. In the streets, kiosks display food and favors for sale, while along the edges are benches for the sightseers." (Official Guide Book, Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Acme Publications. p. 119.)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00237
Date: 1962-05-05
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Pacific Builder and Engineer, v. 5, no. 22, Jun. 1, 1907
Identifier: spl_pbe_3022043_1907_05_22
Date: 1907-06-01
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Seattle Center, 1963
Transcribed from photograph: "Seattle. Views. From Seattle Center. 1963. Looking west to the Olympic Mountains. Photograph by Josef Scaylea, 1963."
Identifier: spl_shp_21631
Date: 1963
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Worker surveying construction at top of Space Needle, ca. November 11, 1961
Identifier: spl_gg_70090016
Date: 1961-11-11
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Seattle from Elliott Bay, 1872
Transcribed from photograph: "Views. From Elliott Bay. 1871. Seattle in 1871. Curtis copy of earlier photo. In U.W. collection." Photographic copy of painting created by sailor Billy Fife.
Identifier: spl_shp_15192
Date: 1871
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West Seattle Branch children's room, Seattle Public Library, ca. 1910
Transcribed from photograph: "West Seattle Branch. Children's Room. 42nd Ave S. W. and West College St. Built 1910. Somervell and Cote architects."
Identifier: spl_shp_15290
Date: 1910?
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From University bridge looking east across U.W. campus to Laurelhurst, 1953
Transcribed from photograph: "Views. From University bridge (airplane view) 1953 Looking east across U. of W. campus to Laurelhurst."
Identifier: spl_shp_20785
Date: 1953
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I-5 construction on Olive Way, November 1961
Seattle; Wash. freeway looking north from Olive Way.
Identifier: spl_wl_fnh_00072
Date: 1961-11
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