North End in Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Job Carr's Cabin
"Birthplace of Tacoma"
Job Carr, a recently discharged Union war veteran, came to Commencement Bay in 1864. In the winter of 1864-65 he began clearing land for a small log cabin near today's North 30th and McCarver in an area now called Old Town Tacoma. By 1869 Job Carr's preemption claim was platted as Tacoma City and had expanded to include a school, hotel, lumber mill and other businesses. During this period Job Carr's cabin served as the first Tacoma post office and polling place where he served as postmaster. In 1874 Carr became Tacoma's first Mayor.
This replica of Job Carr's log cabin is
an important memorial to the present-day
City of Tacoma. A small village grew
around the original cabin and gradually
developed into one of Puget Sound's
thriving ports. For many years, Carr's
cabin served as the community center
and sheltered many travelers and distinguished guests. Indeed Carr's cabin was
Tacoma during its earliest years.
Erected by Metro Parks Tacoma, City of Tacoma, Job Carr's Cabin in Old Tacoma Executive Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 47° 16.479′ N, 122° 28.097′ W. Marker is
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Community Life in Old Tacoma (a few steps from this marker); Our First Settlers (a few steps from this marker); Tacoma City (a few steps from this marker); Building the Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Ester Allstrum (within shouting distance of this marker); The Job Carr Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Coming of the Railroad to Tacoma (within shouting distance of this marker); Emma Smith Devoe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tacoma.
More about this marker. The marker is located in Old Town Park, a little to the east of the cabin (the Job Carr Cabin Museum) itself.
Also see . . . Job Carr Cabin Museum: An Oral History (Job Carr Museum). (Submitted on October 9, 2020.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 9, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.