West Seattle

Images of America: Washington

by Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Log House Museum

The idea of a big city named New York Alki began in 1851 with the arrival of the Bell, Low, Denny, Boren, and Terry families on a Puget Sound shore. Since that rough beginning, logging, farming, shipbuilding, fishing, steel manufacturing, trolleys, and bridges have shaped the area's people and built communities. Beaches on Puget Sound and a river leading inside the country have defined the Duwamish Peninsula. In 1907, long having discarded the misfit name New York, the town of West Seattle was annexed into Seattle. Being the largest landmass annexed to Seattle brought advantages while West Seattle's neighborhood distinction and independent spirit remained.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2010

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful book on the last 100+ years of history in West Seattle, which provides the background to some of the oddities I’ve wondered about.

[Mair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information and pictures, as always! Only the briefest of mentions of High Point.

[Katharine Grubb · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I love this series of books, with their great photos and context for them, they leave me wishing for just a little more text. This was a fun addition, with information on Alki, Admiral, Delridge and- my favorite- the bridges!

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have ever lived in West Seattle you'll doubtless find this book interesting. It's a brief history of West Seattle from its earliest white settlers to the late 20th century, loaded with photographs, and containing explanations of such questions as 'why is it called Alaska junction?'

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. So cool to get to see all the historical pictures of my neighborhood.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful history of my stomping grounds. Anyone who has lived there should check it out.