Preview up to 100 items from this collection below. See maps and atlases depicting the changing landscape of Seattle and other areas in the Pacific Northwest. Take a look at our historic map resources page to browse maps by location.
Municipal Plans Commission of the City of Seattle Topographic Map of Seattle and Vicinity, 1911
Map showing proposed city improvements under the Plan of Seattle, commonly known as the Bogue Plan. Designed by Virgil Bogue, Seattle's municipal plans director, the Bogue Plan proposed a series of improvements aimed at beautifying the city and making it making it more cohesive after years of rapid growth and industrialization. The plan worked in tandem with the Olmsted Brothers new system of parks, begun in 1903, and proposed new government buildings, an improved city center and an interurban road connecting the city together. The plan was rejected by voters in 1912.
Identifier: spl_maps_2465533_20
Date: 1911
View this itemSam Smith Interview, April 28, 1988
Sam Smith (1922-1995) Smith was born in Gibsland, Louisiana. He was stationed in Seattle during World War II while serving in the Army. Following the war’s conclusion, he decided to stay in Seattle and attended Seattle University where he earned a degree in social science in 1951 and the University of Washington where he earned a degree in economics in 1952. After graduating, he began a career at Boeing. In 1958, Smith was elected to the Washington House of Representatives, becoming the third African-American to earn a seat in the State House. During his time there, he championed a bill banning discrimination in home sales and rentals based on race or religion. In 1967, Smith left the legislature to pursue a seat on the Seattle City Council. He became the first African-American to serve on the council and remained there until 1991. During this time on the city council he promoted an open housing initiative and ran for mayor four times.
Identifier: spl_ds_ssmith_01_01
Date: 1988-04-28
View this itemA Bird's eye view of the University of Washington campus and sundry doings thereon, 1932
Map showing buildings on the University of Washington campus including fraternities.
Identifier: spl_maps_2353878
Date: 1932
View this itemMunicipal Plans Commission of the City of Seattle map showing Ballard Waterfront District, 1911
Map showing proposed city improvements under the Plan of Seattle, commonly known as the Bogue Plan. Designed by Virgil Bogue, Seattle's municipal plans director, the Bogue Plan proposed a series of improvements aimed at beautifying the city and making it making it more cohesive after years of rapid growth and industrialization. The plan worked in tandem with the Olmsted Brothers new system of parks, begun in 1903, and proposed new government buildings, an improved city center and an interurban road connecting the city together. The plan was rejected by voters in 1912.
Identifier: spl_maps_2465533_11
Date: 1911
View this itemPioneer Building interior, February 5, 1975
Staircase and offices in the interior of the Pioneer Building in Seattle, Washington.
Identifier: spl_dor_00014
Date: 1975-02-05
View this itemMunicipal Plans Commission of the City of Seattle map showing a portion of Duwamish Valley, 1911
Map showing proposed city improvements under the Plan of Seattle, commonly known as the Bogue Plan. Designed by Virgil Bogue, Seattle's municipal plans director, the Bogue Plan proposed a series of improvements aimed at beautifying the city and making it making it more cohesive after years of rapid growth and industrialization. The plan worked in tandem with the Olmsted Brothers new system of parks, begun in 1903, and proposed new government buildings, an improved city center and an interurban road connecting the city together. The plan was rejected by voters in 1912.
Identifier: spl_maps_2465533_8
Date: 1911
View this itemView from 2nd Ave. of steam shovel and Washington Hotel, ca. 1906
Although the regrade started in 1903, James Moore, the owner of the Washington Hotel, refused to clear the property until 1906 when regrading of Second and Third Avenues were well underway.
Identifier: spl_dr_041
Date: 1906
View this itemJames St. Cable Line, Birds Eye View - Looking South, 1904
Map showing the James St. Cable Car route and location of pulleys.
Identifier: spl_maps_2354008
Date: 1904
View this itemEnjoy the Beauty of Old Seattle and Some of Today's Existing Treasures, 1971
Map depicting historic buildings in downtown Seattle including the Smith Tower and Maynard Building.
Identifier: spl_maps_2445994
Date: 1971
View this itemSouth End Industrial Area, Seattle, Washington, 1958
Map compiled for Lambuth, Sill & Co. Real Estate by the Kroll Map Company.
Identifier: spl_maps_2449660
Date: 1958
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