The Man Who Would Build His Own Locomotives
In 1876, Seattle industrialist J.M. Colman rejected foreign machinery in favor of local manufacturing, predicting a self-sufficient Pacific Northwest within five years.
THE RIGHT PRINCIPLE.
While looking at the locomotive Saturday, we remarked that there ought to be a couple of spare cylinder-heads sent for, to cover accidents. Mr. Colman promptly answered; "Time enough for that. I can get every thing of that kind made here, and I don’t believe in sending a dollar out of the country that can be kept in it. We shall be building our own locomotives here, in five years more."
This brief exchange captures the fierce economic nationalism of early Seattle. J.M. Colman’s refusal to spend money outside the territory mirrors modern debates about local supply chains and 'buying local' versus global efficiency. His bold prediction that Seattle would manufacture its own heavy machinery within five years highlights the ambitious, almost defiant, industrial aspirations of the city's founders.
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