History of Tacoma, Washington in Timeline

Tacoma, the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, is a port city located 32 miles southwest of Seattle. With a population of 219,346 (2020 census), it is the second-largest city in the Puget Sound area and the third most populous in Washington state. Tacoma is a hub for business activity in the South Sound region, serving a population of approximately 1 million. The city is also located near significant natural landmarks including Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park.

July 4, 1900: Streetcar Accident

On July 4, 1900, a major streetcar accident occurred in Tacoma, resulting in significant loss of life.

1903: The Tacoma Times Begins Publication

The E. W. Scripps Company started publishing a competing daily newspaper, The Tacoma Times, in 1903.

1903: Tacoma Tigers Begin Play

The Tacoma Tigers began playing in the independent Pacific Coast League in 1903.

1905: William Ross Rust House Constructed

The William Ross Rust House, a Colonial/Classic Revival style home, was built in 1905. Ambrose J. Russell was the architect and Charles Miller was the contractor.

August 1907: Smelter Workers' Strike

The smelter workers' strike organized by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) ended in August 1907 without meeting its demands for a fifty-cent per day pay raise.

1907: Construction of Engine House No. 9

Engine House No. 9, a fire station in Tacoma, was constructed in 1907.

1907: Establishment of Metro Parks Tacoma

Metro Parks Tacoma, an independent municipal corporation separate from the city government, was established in 1907 to oversee parks and recreation in and around Tacoma.

1908: The Tacoma Daily Tribune Founded

The Tacoma Daily Tribune, one of the predecessors of The News Tribune, was founded in 1908.

1910: Commission-Style Government Established

Tacoma adopted a commission-style government in 1910.

1911: Founding of Mars, Incorporated

Frank C. Mars established Mars, Incorporated, in Tacoma in 1911.

1911: Murray Morgan Bridge Constructed

The Murray Morgan Bridge, a steel lift bridge, was constructed over the Thea Foss Waterway in 1911.

1911: Construction of Union Station

Union Station in Tacoma, designed by Reed & Stem Architects, was built in 1911.

1915: Automobile Racing in Tacoma

Tacoma became a major destination for big-time automobile racing in 1915, with a top-rated racing venue located just outside the city limits.

June 17, 1918: The News Tribune Begins Publication

On June 17, 1918, The News Tribune was first published, marking the merger of two competing daily newspapers: The Daily News (established in 1883) and The Tacoma Daily Tribune (established in 1908).

1918: Opening of the Pantages Theater and Tacoma Little Theatre

Both the Pantages Theater and Tacoma Little Theatre opened in Tacoma in 1918.

1922: End of Automobile Racing Era

Tacoma's era as a major automobile racing destination ended in 1922.

1922: Tacoma Tigers Rejoin League

The Tacoma Tigers were resurrected and rejoined the Western International League in 1922.

1924: Hooverville Established

Tacoma's Hooverville, a shanty town on the waterfront, began to grow in 1924 as the homeless community settled there.

1924: H.C. Weaver Studio Established

Tacoma's first movie studio, H.C. Weaver Studio, was established in 1924 at present-day Titlow Beach, becoming the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

1927: Hooverville Nicknamed "Hollywood"

Due to the type of crimes occurring within the camp, Tacoma's Hooverville was nicknamed "Hollywood" in 1927.

1929: Fireboat No. 1 Launched

In 1929, the Coastline Shipbuilding Company built Fireboat No. 1 for the Port of Tacoma.

1929: Stock Market Crash and Great Depression

The stock market crash of 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to a series of misfortunes for Tacoma.

November 1930: Hooverville Population Boom

The population of Tacoma's Hooverville, a shanty town that had been growing since 1924, boomed in November 1930 as families were evicted from neighboring areas.

1930: Power Outages and USS Lexington Assistance

During the winter of 1929-1930, Tacoma experienced mass power outages and a 30-day power shortage. The engines of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington provided the city with electricity.

1931: Continued Hooverville Growth

Tacoma's Hooverville continued to experience population growth into early 1931.

1932: H.C. Weaver Studio Fire

The H.C. Weaver Studio burned down in a mysterious fire in 1932, destroying several films and leading to the end of the production facility.

1934: Hooverville Nicknamed "Hollywood on the Tide Flats"

By 1934, the prevalence of alcoholism and suicide in Tacoma's Hooverville led to its nickname, "Hollywood on the Tide Flats," referencing the Hollywood-style crimes occurring there.

1935: George Weyerhaeuser Kidnapping

George Weyerhaeuser, the son of a prominent lumber industry executive, was kidnapped in 1935 while walking home from school. He was released after a ransom was paid, and the kidnappers were apprehended and convicted.

1936: Establishment of Russell Investments

Russell Investments was founded in Tacoma in 1936 and remained in the city until 2009.

1938: End of the Tacoma Streetcar Period

The Tacoma Streetcar Period, characterized by dense mixed-use business districts alongside single-family homes, came to an end in 1938.

1940: Attempted Burning of Hooverville

After eviction notices failed, the Tacoma police department attempted to burn down Hooverville in 1940.

1940: Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, nicknamed "Galloping Gertie" due to its swaying in the wind, collapsed in 1940.

1946: Tacoma Rockets Begin Play

The Tacoma Rockets began playing in the Pacific Coast Hockey League in 1946.

1949: Establishment of Rogers Off-Leash Dog Park

Established in 1949, Rogers Off-Leash Dog Park is a metro public park in Tacoma.

1949: The Tacoma Times Ceases Publication

The Tacoma Times, a competing daily newspaper published by the E. W. Scripps Company, ceased publication in 1949.

1951: Government Corruption Exposed

An investigation in 1951 revealed widespread corruption in Tacoma's government.

1951: Tacoma Tigers Leave League

The Tacoma Tigers left the Western International League in 1951.

1952: Mayor and City-Manager System Adopted

Tacoma voters approved a mayor and city-manager system of government in 1952 following the exposure of corruption in the previous system.

1952: Construction of U.S. Oil and Refining's Oil Refinery

U.S. Oil and Refining established an oil refinery in the Port of Tacoma in 1952.

1953: Tacoma Rockets Cease Operations

The Tacoma Rockets ceased operations in the Pacific Coast Hockey League in 1953.

1956: Hooverville Leveled

The last occupant of Tacoma's Hooverville was evicted in 1956, and the police burned down the remaining structures to make way for industrial growth.

1960: Tacoma Tigers Return to PCL

Following the construction of Cheney Stadium, the Tacoma Tigers returned to the Pacific Coast League in 1960.

1963: Last Weyerhaeuser Kidnapper Released

The last of the individuals convicted in the 1935 kidnapping of George Weyerhaeuser was paroled from McNeil Island in 1963.

1975: Engine House No. 9 Listed on National Register of Historic Places

Engine House No. 9 in Tacoma was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Today, it houses a pub and microbrewery.

1976: Tacoma Tides Begin Play

The Tacoma Tides, the city's first professional soccer team, played one season in the American Soccer League in 1976.

1982: First Computerized Voting Referendum

The first of two local referendums in the U.S. on computerized voting took place in Tacoma in 1982, with voters rejecting the proposed system.

1983: Tacoma Dome Opens

The Tacoma Dome, the city's primary sports venue, opened in 1983.

1983: Tacoma Stars Begin Play

The Tacoma Stars, Tacoma's indoor soccer team, began playing in the Major Indoor Soccer League at the Tacoma Dome in 1983.

1986: The News Tribune Sold to McClatchy Newspapers

After being under local ownership, The News Tribune was sold to McClatchy Newspapers in 1986.

1987: Second Computerized Voting Referendum

Tacoma held its second referendum on computerized voting in 1987, again resulting in voters rejecting the system.

1988: Restoration of the Pagoda

The Pagoda in Point Defiance Park, originally used as a streetcar waiting room, underwent restoration in 1988 and was repurposed as a venue for events like weddings and private gatherings.

1988: Tacoma Dome Hosts Women's NCAA Final Four

The Tacoma Dome hosted the Women's NCAA Final Four in 1988.

1989: Tacoma Dome Hosts Women's NCAA Final Four

The Tacoma Dome hosted the Women's NCAA Final Four in 1989.

1990: Tacoma Hosts Goodwill Games

Tacoma hosted events for the 1990 Goodwill Games, an international multi-sport competition, at the Tacoma Dome and Cheney Stadium.

1991: Revitalization of Tacoma

Beginning in 1991, city residents and planners took steps to revitalize Tacoma, including the construction of a federal courthouse in the former Union Station.

1991: Tacoma Rockets Reestablished

The Tacoma Rockets were reestablished in 1991 and joined the Western Hockey League, playing at the Tacoma Dome.

1992: Tacoma Stars Fold

The original Tacoma Stars folded in 1992.

1994: Tacoma Dome Hosts NBA's Seattle SuperSonics

During the 1994–95 NBA season, the Tacoma Dome hosted home games for the Seattle SuperSonics while the Seattle Center Coliseum underwent renovations.

1995: Tacoma Rainiers Become Mariners Affiliate

The Tacoma Rainiers became affiliated with the Seattle Mariners in 1995.

1995: Tacoma Rockets Relocate

The Tacoma Rockets relocated to Kelowna, British Columbia, in 1995.

1996: Opening of the Washington State History Museum

The Washington State History Museum, echoing the architecture of Union Station, opened in Tacoma in 1996.

1997: Tacoma Sabercats Formed

The Tacoma Sabercats were formed in 1997 and joined the West Coast Hockey League.

1998: Click! Network Installation

Tacoma installed Click! Network, a high-speed fiber optic network, in 1998.

1999: Tacoma Sabercats Win Championship

The Tacoma Sabercats won the West Coast Hockey League championship in 1999.

2000: Replica of Job Carr's Cabin Built

A replica of pioneer Job Carr's cabin, which also served as Tacoma's first post office, was built near the original site in "Old Town" in 2000.

2000: 2000 Census

According to the 2000 census, Tacoma had a population of 193,556, including 76,152 households and 45,919 families.

2000: RCW 54.16.330 Passed

The State of Washington passed RCW 54.16.330 in 2000, limiting the development of Click! Network.

2001: Tacoma School of the Arts Opens

Tacoma School of the Arts, a pioneering arts-focused high school, opened in downtown Tacoma in 2001.

2002: Bill Baarsma Becomes Mayor

Bill Baarsma became the mayor of Tacoma in 2002 and served until 2010.

2002: Opening of the Museum of Glass

The Museum of Glass opened in Tacoma in 2002.

2002: Tacoma Sabercats Cease Operations

The Tacoma Sabercats ceased operations in 2002 due to financial reasons.

2003: Opening of the Tacoma Art Museum and the region's first light-rail line

In 2003, Tacoma saw the opening of the Tacoma Art Museum and the region's first light-rail line.

2003: Tacoma Stars Reformed

The Tacoma Stars were reformed in 2003 and joined the Professional Arena Soccer League.

November 2004: Opening of the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center

The glass and steel Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center opened in Tacoma in November 2004.

2004: Tacoma's Hydroelectric System Capacity and Power Sources

As of 2004, Tacoma's hydroelectric system, primarily powered by eight dams on the Skokomish River, had a capacity of 713,000 kilowatts, fulfilling approximately 50% of TPU's customer demand. The remaining power was sourced from other utilities. At the time, hydroelectricity constituted about 87% of Tacoma's power, followed by coal (3%), natural gas (1%), nuclear (9%), and biomass and wind (less than 1%).

2004: Tacoma Water Customer Base and Costs

In 2004, Tacoma Water supplied water to 93,903 customers within its service area, primarily sourced from the Green River Watershed. The average yearly cost for residential water supply amounted to $257.84.

2004: Mount Tahoma High School Opens New Building

In the fall of 2004, Mount Tahoma High School inaugurated a new building in South Tacoma.

January 2006: Skokomish Tribe's Claim Against TPU Denied

In January 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a $6 billion claim made by the Skokomish Indian Tribe against Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) regarding the operation of Cushman Dam on the North Fork of the Skokomish River.

September 2006: High School Renovations Completed

Stadium High School and Wilson High School reopened in September 2006 after undergoing remodeling and refurbishment.

2006: Tacoma Tide Reestablished

The Tacoma Tide were reestablished in 2006 and joined the USL PDL, playing primarily in Sumner, Washington.

2007: Lincoln High School Reopens After Renovation

Lincoln High School reopened in the fall of 2007, following a $75 million renovation and expansion project.

2007: Murray Morgan Bridge Closes

The Murray Morgan Bridge was closed to automobile traffic in 2007 because of its deteriorating condition.

September 2009: Russell Investments Relocates to Seattle

Russell Investments, headquartered in downtown Tacoma since 1936, announced its relocation to Seattle in September 2009.

2009: Science and Math Institute Opens

In 2009, the Tacoma School of the Arts expanded its staff to a second high school, the Science and Math Institute (SAMI), located in Point Defiance Park.

2009: Marilyn Strickland Becomes Mayor

Marilyn Strickland was elected mayor in 2009, becoming Tacoma's first African-American female mayor.

2010: End of Bill Baarsma's mayoral term

Bill Baarsma's term as the mayor of Tacoma ended in 2010. He was a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition.

2010: KVTI Operation Outsourced

Clover Park Technical College's KVTI, previously run by students, outsourced its operation to Northwest Public Broadcasting of Washington State University in 2010.

2010: 2010 Census

The 2010 census recorded Tacoma's population at 198,397, consisting of 78,541 households and 45,716 families.

August 15, 2011: Fire at the Pagoda

On August 15, 2011, a fire caused significant damage to the Pagoda in Point Defiance Park. Restoration work commenced immediately after the fire.

2011: Completion of America's Car Museum

America's Car Museum was completed near the Tacoma Dome in late 2011.

January 2012: T.C. Broadnax Appointed City Manager

T.C. Broadnax's tenure as Tacoma's city manager began in January 2012 and ended in 2017 when he moved on to become the city manager of Dallas, Texas.

2012: Tacoma Tide Become Sounders U-23 Team

The Tacoma Tide were integrated into the Seattle Sounders organization as their U-23 team in 2012.

January 2013: Reopening of the Pagoda

After extensive repairs, the Pagoda in Point Defiance Park reopened to the public in January 2013.

February 2013: Murray Morgan Bridge Reopens

The Murray Morgan Bridge, which had been closed to automobile traffic in 2007 due to deterioration, was reopened to all traffic in February 2013 after significant rehabilitation work.

2014: St. Regis Company Sells Mill to RockTenn

RockTenn acquired the Tacoma mill from St. Regis Company in 2014.

2015: Tacoma Stars Join Major Arena Soccer League

Since 2015, the new Tacoma Stars have been playing in the Major Arena Soccer League at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington.

2015: MV Kalakala Scrapped

The MV Kalakala was scrapped in early 2015.

2015: Tacoma Defiance Founded

The Tacoma Defiance were founded in 2015 as part of the USL Championship in Tukwila, Washington.

2016: KNKX Transitions to Community Licensee

In 2016, KNKX, formerly KPLU-FM, transitioned to a community licensee following public outcry against a planned sale to the University of Washington.

2016: Mill Renamed to WestRock

The mill, formerly known as RockTenn, underwent a name change to WestRock in 2016.

February 6, 2017: Elizabeth Pauli Appointed Interim City Manager

Elizabeth Pauli assumed the role of Interim City Manager of Tacoma on February 6, 2017, succeeding T.C. Broadnax.

2017: iDEA High School Opens

The Tacoma school district opened a third non-traditional high school, iDEA (Industrial Design, Engineering, and Art), in south Tacoma in 2017, following the models of SAMI and SOTA.

January 2, 2018: Victoria Woodards Becomes Mayor

Victoria Woodards was sworn in as the mayor of Tacoma on January 2, 2018, becoming Tacoma's third African-American mayor and third female mayor.

2018: Road Naming Conventions Change on Key Peninsula

In 2018, road designations on the Key Peninsula transitioned from "KP N" and "KP S" ("Key Peninsula North" or "Key Peninsula South") to "NW" and "SW" respectively.

2018: 909 Destiny Fund LLC Purchases Former Russell Investments Building

The building previously occupied by Russell Investments and State Farm was bought by 909 Destiny Fund LLC in 2018 and converted into a multi-tenant Class A property.

2019: Reign FC Plays at Cheney Stadium

Reign FC of the National Women's Soccer League played their home games at Cheney Stadium during the 2019 season.

2019: TOTE Alaska Relocates Headquarters

TOTE Alaska announced the transfer of its headquarters from Federal Way to the top two floors of the 909 A Street building in 2019.

2019: Tacoma Defiance Move to Cheney Stadium

The Tacoma Defiance began operating jointly with the Rainiers out of Cheney Stadium in 2019.

2020: 2020 Census

As per the 2020 census, Tacoma's population was 219,346, with 91,951 households.

2020: Reign FC Plays at Cheney Stadium

Reign FC of the National Women's Soccer League played their home games at Cheney Stadium during the 2020 season.

2020: Rise in Crime in Tacoma

Starting in 2020, during the pandemic, Tacoma experienced an increase in crime.

2020: City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

The City of Tacoma published its 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

2021: Pierce Transit Service Cuts

Pierce Transit implemented service cuts in 2021, affecting the frequency of several trunk routes that previously operated every 15 to 20 minutes on weekdays.

2021: RCW 54.16.330 Repealed

RCW 54.16.330, which had limited the development of Click! Network, was repealed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Reign FC Plays at Cheney Stadium

Reign FC of the National Women's Soccer League played their home games at Cheney Stadium during the 2021 season.

2022: Bus Rapid Transit Line Construction Paused

Due to cost increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pierce Transit paused the construction of the Stream Community Line, a planned bus rapid transit line along the Pacific Avenue corridor, which was initially planned to be completed by 2022.

2022: FBI Uniform Crime Report Statistics

In 2022, the FBI's Uniform Crime Report recorded 3,601 violent crimes and 19,217 property crimes in Tacoma.

2022: Reign FC Returns to Seattle

Reign FC returned to Seattle in 2022, abandoning plans to build a soccer-specific stadium in Tacoma.

2022: Record High Murders in Tacoma

Tacoma recorded its highest-ever number of murders in 2022, with 45 murders, only 7 less than Seattle.

August 2023: Kenmore Air Launches Seaplane Service in Tacoma

In August 2023, Kenmore Air, in partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, launched a seaplane service offering tours of the Tacoma area and plans to expand to other regional destinations.

September 30, 2023: Closure of the WestRock Mill

The WestRock mill in Tacoma ceased operations on September 30, 2023.

2023: Reduction in Murders in Tacoma

Despite a decrease from the previous year, Tacoma's murder rate in 2023 remained notably high compared to pre-pandemic levels.

2024: Enhanced Bus Service Launch

Pierce Transit plans to launch a limited-stop "enhanced bus" service on the Pacific Avenue corridor in 2024 as an alternative to the paused bus rapid transit line.

2039: Potential Tacoma Link Light Rail Extension (First Projected Completion)

Sound Transit aims to extend the Tacoma Link light rail westward towards Tacoma Community College along South 19th Street, with a projected completion date as early as 2039.

2041: Potential Tacoma Link Light Rail Extension (Second Projected Completion)

The extension of the Tacoma Link light rail westward towards Tacoma Community College along South 19th Street is projected to be completed by 2041, according to Sound Transit.