North End in Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Coming of the Railroad to Tacoma

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2016

1. Coming of the Railroad to Tacoma Marker

Inscription. "When becoming fully satisfied that Commencement Bay was the best harbor in the Sound, had the best supply of fresh water, and by far the best approaches and surroundings, and from twenty-five miles the best geographical position, I felt certain it must become the terminus of the railroad."
- Job Carr

Construction for the Northern Pacific Railroad began in 1870 and ended in 1873 with Job Carr driving the last spike. The site chosen was “New Tacoma” two miles east of Old Town.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 47° 16.471′ N, 122° 28.119′ W. Marker is in Tacoma, Washington, in Pierce County. It is in North End. Marker is on North 30th Street west of North Carr Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2350 North 30th Street, Tacoma WA 98403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Job Carr Family (here, next to this marker); Building the Cabin (here, next to this marker); Tacoma City (a few steps from this marker); Our First Settlers (a few steps from this marker); Community Life in Old Tacoma (a few steps from this marker); Job Carr's Cabin

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Ester Allstrum (within shouting distance of this marker); Emma Smith Devoe (about 400 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 one of several on the grounds of the Job Carr Cabin Museum.

Coming of the Railroad to Tacoma Marker - wide view, looking out from the Carr cabin image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2016

2. Coming of the Railroad to Tacoma Marker - wide view, looking out from the Carr cabin

The railroad marker is the one mounted to the leftmost pole.

<i>View of New Tacoma</i> image. Click for full size.

Edwin S. Glover, artist; A.L. Bancroft & Co. (image courtesy of UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library), February 1, 1878

3. View of New Tacoma

Full title: View of New Tacoma and Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, Washington Territory: terminus of Northern Pacific Railroad

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.