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

George Francis Train

Photographed By Loren Skaggs, June 16, 2021

1. In Commemoration of George Francis Train's Record Around the World Trip

Inscription. In Commemoration of
George Francis Train's
Record Around the World Trip
Point of Departure and Return
March 19, 1890 - May 24, 1890
Time 67 Days 13 Hours

Erected by Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is March 18, 1890.

Location. 47° 15.26′ N, 122° 26.425′ W. Marker is in Tacoma, Washington, in Pierce County. It is in New Tacoma. Marker is on Broadway, on the right when traveling south. Marker is set into the sidewalk, in front of the Pythian Temple. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 926 Broadway, Tacoma WA 98402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. In Honor of Rossell G. O’Brien (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation (approx. ¼ mile away); Birthplace of Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby (approx. 1.4 miles away); Fannie C. Paddock (approx. 1.8 miles away); Janet Elder Steele (approx. 1.8 miles away); Margaret Meeker Davis (approx. 1.8 miles away); Nettie Asberry (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tacoma.

Regarding George Francis Train.

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George Francis Train (1829-1904) was an American entrepreneur, writer, and world traveler. Among his other accomplishments, he may have been the inspiration for the character of Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in Eighty Days." He made the original 80-day journey in 1870. In 1890, he sought to set the new record for around-the-world travel, starting and finishing from Tacoma. His goal was to promote Tacoma as a hub for global for commerce -- and to win a wager with the local newspaper editor. He completed his journey in a record-shattering 67 days, 12 hours, and 1 minute.

Location of George Francis Train marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Loren Skaggs, June 16, 2021

2. Location of George Francis Train marker

Marker is set in the sidewalk in front of the Pythian Temple

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2021, by Loren Skaggs of Tacoma, Washington. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2021, by Loren Skaggs of Tacoma, Washington. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.