Seattle’s Waterfront Property Owners Fight the ‘Ram’s Horn’ Tracks

Property owners along the waterfront who are affected by the rerouting of the 'Ram’s Horn' tracks have begun to work in dead earnest to secure an alternate right-of-way to offer the Columbia and Puget Sound and Northern Pacific railroads. The plan takes the form of a petition to the city for the widening of Railroad Avenue by the addition of thirty feet on the west side from Columbia street through the wharves to the vicinity of Virginia street. The property owners agree to transfer this strip on condition that it is granted to the railroads as a right-of-way and that the Ram’s Horn is abandoned. Capt. David Gilmore stated: 'Both we and the city desired to get this Ram’s Horn track out of the way, as it went winding across lots and blocks, cutting up property so as to almost destroy its value. We gave away over half our property in order to prevent the remainder from being cut to pieces by this track, though we might have compelled the city to pay heavy damages under condemnation proceedings.' Pending Judge Langler’s decision on the Colman restraining order, work was suspended, though a mudslide at the foot of Virginia street threatened the stability of nearby Shantytown.