The Great Northern Arrives
The first passenger train from the East signals a new era of rail competition and economic expansion for Seattle.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The first passenger train over the Great Northern railroad will arrive in Seattle this morning from the East. Today the first train leaves for the East over the same road. These events mark a distinct epoch in the history of Seattle. Up to this time Seattle may be said to have grown and prospered in spite of railroads. From this time on, however, it is reasonable to expect that the city will grow and prosper with the help of railroads. It is idle to attempt to deny that until within a comparatively recent period all of the influence of the one great transcontinental railroad that came to the Northwest was used to build up a rival city. This, however, has been changed. With the advent of the Great Northern, Seattle is placed in the fortunate position of having two great railroads bidding for its business.
“These events mark a distinct epoch in the history of Seattle.”
The completion of the Great Northern line was the catalyst for Seattle's explosive growth as a commercial hub. Today, Seattle is similarly navigating the massive expansion of light rail and transit infrastructure, though the 'rival city' tension remains a permanent feature of Puget Sound history.
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