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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Original gravestone of Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline), ca. 1958
Transcribed from photograph: "Monuments. Angeline, Princess, 1811-1896. Original gravestone. Granite. Lakeview cemetery."
Identifier: spl_shp_22376
Date: 1958
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Judson Toll Jennings plaque, ca. 1949
Transcribed from photograph: "Portraits. Jennings, Judson Toll. Librarian. Seattle Public Library. 1907-1942." The plaque was created by Seattle sculptor James A. Wehn.
Identifier: spl_shp_35022
Date: 1949
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Our Lady of the Lake Church, ca. 1941
Transcribed from photograph: "Churches. Our Lady of the Lake Church. Exterior. Built 1941. Paul Thiry, architect."
Identifier: spl_shp_18245
Date: 1941
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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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View north from 1st Ave. S. and S. Washington St., 1865
Transcribed from photograph: "Streets. Commercial Street [1st Ave. S.]. 1865. Looking North, just below Washington Street intersection. Center Right side: Occidental Hotel (with flagstaff). Above that--Dr. H. A. Smith house. Above that--C.C. Terry house (white fence and gables). Below right of Terry house--J. Collins house. Left of hotel. Left side: Hillory Butler house.(small white). Center Right side: first Masonic Hall (dark building). Above that -- Methodist Episcopal Church (White Church)."
Identifier: spl_shp_5158
Date: 1865
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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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Our Lady of Good Help Church, 1870
Transcribed from photograph: "Churches. Our Lady of Good Help Church (Roman Catholic). Fourth Avenue. South and Park Avenue (Washington Street). Built 1866-1870. Enlarged 1883. 1870. First Catholic church in Seattle. Porch of Baxter house at left."
Identifier: spl_shp_5132
Date: 1870
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