The Iron Road That Built Seattle
How the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railroad defied the 'disregard and neglect' of the Northern Pacific to secure the city's future.
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.
Mr. D. H. Gilman is a citizen of great importance to our people. To him, the chief originator and promoter of the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern railroad—an undertaking which is doing more for Seattle and Washington Territory than any other in progress among us—the highest public credit is due. Already the Northern Pacific railroad is looking toward Seattle for a direct connection. Its effort to crush out this city is now a demonstrated failure. Seattle was founded without its help; she has developed without its help; she has grown under its disregard and neglect. Now, when it is seen that to do the business of the country, or any considerable share of it, direct connection must be made with Seattle, this great corporation is looking out for chances to get in. But it is now a matter of comparative indifference whether it comes or not. Seattle will soon have her own connection over lines established in her own interest.
“Its effort to crush out this city is now a demonstrated failure. Seattle was founded without its help; she has developed without its help; she has grown under its disregard and neglect.”
In 1888, Seattle residents were fierce about maintaining control over their infrastructure to prevent monopolistic exploitation by transcontinental giants. Today, this resonates with modern struggles against regional corporate dominance and the persistent local fight for transit autonomy and affordable connectivity.
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