Seattle's Booming Frontier
A glowing assessment of Seattle's rapid expansion in 1884, including its new water works, street grading, and rising property values.
The story, cleaned up
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A correspondent from the Walla Walla Union Bulletin provides a status update on Seattle, highlighting its impressive growth. The city is currently investing heavily in public infrastructure, including an expensive water works project pumping from Lake Washington and extensive street grading. Major construction projects, such as the new opera house and various residences costing tens of thousands of dollars, reflect a booming economy. Real estate activity is intense, with one firm reporting $100,000 in business in a single year, suggesting Seattle is only just beginning its rise as a metropolis.
“I give it as my opinion that Seattle has only just emerged from her chrysalis state, and has yet to become full grown.”
1884 was a pivotal moment of boosterism and infrastructure investment for Seattle. The optimism of this 'chrysalis' phase echoes the recurring booms that have defined the city’s development for 140 years.
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