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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.

#5 Lake Washington Ship Canal under construction, 1914

Lake Washington Ship Canal under construction, 1914

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#10 Dearborn Street Bridge under construction, 1917

Dearborn Street Bridge under construction, 1917

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#12 Second Avenue south extension under construction, 1928

Second Avenue south extension under construction, 1928

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#15 Aurora Bridge under construction, 1931

Aurora Bridge under construction, 1931

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#20 First slab of seawall being placed, 1934

First slab of seawall being placed, 1934

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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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#25 Highway 10 under construction, 1939

Highway 10 under construction, 1939

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#30 Alaskan Way Viaduct under construction, 1951

Alaskan Way Viaduct under construction, 1951

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#34 First Avenue South Bridge under construction, 1955

First Avenue South Bridge under construction, 1955

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#35 Monorail under construction, 1961

Monorail 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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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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