The Coal Mine Hidden in the Cascade Foothills
A rare 1880s investment pitch reveals a vast, forgotten coal tract for sale near Seattle, showcasing the city's early hunger for industrial dominance.
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.
One of the most valuable tracts of coal land in Washington Territory is now offered for sale. The tract contains over 2,000 acres, with a vein of good coal and two veins of iron ore. Any one desiring to invest in such property should apply to L. S. J. Hunt, Room 4, Arcade Building, Front Street, Seattle. The greater portion of the ongoing belongs to the estate of Chas. P. Crary, deceased, and is offered to settle the estate.
“One of the most valuable tracts of coal land in Washington Territory is now offered for sale.”
This advertisement highlights Seattle’s transition from a logging outpost to an industrial power hub. Today, while we fight over housing density and tech office space, the city’s early 'growth mindset' was literally carved out of the earth in the form of coal and iron mining claims in the Cascades.
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