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.
Man riding on Chilkoot Pass tramway, ca. 1899
During the Klondike Gold Rush, several hoists and tramways were constructed to help prospectors transport heavy loads of supplies and cargo over the pass. Prior to the construction of the tramways, prospectors carried their supplies themselves or with packhorses. Peterson's Hoist was constructed in 1896 and relied on a pulley and sled system. In 1897, Archie Burns' Tramway, a horse-powered system, went into operation. In March 1898 the Dyea-Klondike Transportation company opened up their own tram, the first electric-powered version in the world. Later that year the company merged with the Alaska Railroad and Transportation Company and Chilkoot Railroad and Transport Company to expand tram operations. In June 1899, the tram was purchased by the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and the tram system was torn down, soon to be replaced by a narrow-gauge railroad.
Identifier: spl_ap_00125
Date: 1899?
View this itemDyea, Alaska from Dyea Mt., ca. 1899
Dyea was a short-lived town used by prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush as an entrance to the Chilkoot Trail. It became less popular after a large avalanche blocked much of the trail on April 3, 1898 killing over 70 prospectors. In May 1898 White Pass & Yukon Route railroad route opened in the neighboring town of Skagway, offering a faster, safer way for prospectors and their gear to reach the gold fields.
Identifier: spl_ap_00136
Date: 1899?
View this itemSkagway, Alaska and Chilkoot Inlet looking south, ca. 1899
Identifier: spl_ap_00135
Date: 1899?
View this itemChief Kyan totem pole in Ketchikan, Alaska, ca. 1899
Chief Kyan was a Tlingit chief who, in 1885, sold 160 acres to Mike Martin, one of the city of Ketchikan's founders. The totem pole shows the lineage of the Chief's family. The bear at the base of the pole represents Chief Kyan's family. The Thunderbird in the center represents his wife's family and the crane at the top represents his wife.
Identifier: spl_ap_00080
Date: 1899?
View this itemTownship Plats of King County, Washington Territory - Page 49, Township 26N, Range 9E
This atlas shows early land ownership for King County, Washington, providing names and property boundaries of original purchasers, grantees, claimants, etc.
Identifier: spl_map_218451_P49_T26N_R9E
Date: 1889
View this itemTownship Plats of King County, Washington Territory - Page 09, Township 25N, Range 3E
This atlas shows early land ownership for King County, Washington, providing names and property boundaries of original purchasers, grantees, claimants, etc. <br></br>The area soon to be developed as the Lake Washington Ship Canal is identified on the map as Shilshole Bay.
Identifier: spl_map_218451_P09_T25N_R3E
Date: 1889
View this itemCondominium construction, 1980
Seattle - View east from Western & Blanchard to 1st Av. - site of 38 story luxury condominium - Baugh Construction Co.
Identifier: spl_wl_apt_00010
Date: 1980
View this itemTownship Plats of King County, Washington Territory - Page 30, Township 26N, Range 6E
This atlas shows early land ownership for King County, Washington, providing names and property boundaries of original purchasers, grantees, claimants, etc.
Identifier: spl_map_218451_P30_T26N_R6E
Date: 1889
View this itemTownship Plats of King County, Washington Territory - Page 14, Township 24N, Range 4E
This atlas shows early land ownership for King County, Washington, providing names and property boundaries of original purchasers, grantees, claimants, etc.
Identifier: spl_map_218451_P14_T24N_R4E
Date: 1889
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