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1900 Map of Tacoma

Name: 1900 Topographic Map of Tacoma
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1900
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1900

About this map

Industrial and agrarian landscapes of the south Puget Sound are meticulously categorized in this land classification study, highlighting the intersection of water-based transport and heavy timber extraction. Centered on Tacoma and the Puyallup Indian Reservation, the map reveals a network of emerging settlements along the White River and Puyallup River valleys. The terrain is marked by the presence of early logging infrastructure, specifically the St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Co. R. R. and the Muck Creek Land Co. R. R..

Across the waters of Commencement Bay, Vashon Island and Maury Island appear dotted with small landings like Stone Landing and Chautauqua, suggesting a shoreline-dependent economy before the full expansion of modern roads. The interior is defined by the heavy presence of the Northern Pacific Railway corridor, which spurred the growth of towns such as Kent, Auburn, and Sumner during this pivotal period of development in Washington.