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Rare Historical Photos Show Famous Landmarks and Infrastructure of Seattle Under Construction from Early 20th Century

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The Great Seattle Fire of June 6, 1889, destroyed the entire city, it burned 29 city blocks. Seattle underwent massive reconstruction in the early 20th century with the construction of new neighborhoods, parks, boulevards, bridges, skyscrapers, and several other landmarks.

The gold rush brought an influx of new immigrants. In 1910, Seattle voters approved a referendum to create a development plan for the whole city. However, the result, known as the Bogue plan, was never to be implemented. During the Great Depression, Seattle issued 2,538 permits for housing construction.

These historical photos show some famous landmarks of Seattle being constructed in the first half of the 20th century.

#4 Smith Tower under construction, 1913

Smith Tower under construction, 1913

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#5 Lake Washington Ship Canal under construction, 1914

Lake Washington Ship Canal under construction, 1914

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#7 Ballard Bridge under construction, 1916

Ballard Bridge under construction, 1916

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#11 Husky Stadium under construction, 1920

Husky Stadium under construction, 1920

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#12 Second Avenue south extension under construction, 1928

Second Avenue south extension under construction, 1928

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#14 Garfield Street Bridge under construction, 1930

Garfield Street Bridge under construction, 1930

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#17 Aurora Bridge under construction, 1931

Aurora Bridge under construction, 1931

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#21 Central Waterfront seawall construction, 1934

Central Waterfront seawall construction, 1934

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#24 Ballard Bridge south approach under construction, 1939

Ballard Bridge south approach under construction, 1939

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#27 Mount Baker Tunnel under construction, 1939

Mount Baker Tunnel under construction, 1939

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#31 Battery Street tunnel under construction, 1953

Battery Street tunnel under construction, 1953

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#34 First Avenue South Bridge under construction, 1955

First Avenue South Bridge under construction, 1955

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#37 Space Needle under construction, 1961

Space Needle under construction, 1961

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#38 Lake Forest Park Reservoir under construction, 1962

Lake Forest Park Reservoir under construction, 1962

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#40 James Street freeway overpass under construction, 1963

James Street freeway overpass under construction, 1963

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#41 Montlake Interchange under construction, 1963

Montlake Interchange under construction, 1963

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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