Tacoma is a city in the state of Washington. It’s modern history began in 1864, when the pioneer and postmaster Job Carr, who was a Civil War veteran and land speculator, built a cabin here. In 1873, Tacoma was chosen as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This decision was largely influenced by Tacoma’s deep-water harbor, Commencement Bay, which made it an ideal location for trade and transportation. Tacoma was incorporated in 1875, and the railway arrived but built the depot in New Tacoma south of Joe Carr’s settlement. The city’s strategic position helped it grow rapidly from 1,098 in 1880 to 36,006 in 1890, and the became a busy industrial and commercial center.

Tacoma and New Tacoma merged in 1884, but despite the growth, Seattle to over as the leading place in the region following the Klondike gold rush from 1898. Tacoma hit the news with the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940, known as Galloping Gertie, but despite that and other setbacks, Tacoma has continually reinvented itself. The latter part of the 20th century saw a decline in industrial activities, but the city has since experienced a renaissance, with revitalization efforts focusing on its downtown area and cultural institutions.

At the heart of Tacoma’s downtown is Pacific Avenue, the main street that runs through the city’s core. This thoroughfare is lined with a mix of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. A stroll down Pacific Avenue is a must when in Tacoma, and it offers a glimpse into Tacoma’s past while showcasing its contemporary charm. The street is also home to several key landmarks, making it a central point for visitors exploring the city.

One of the most iconic structures in Tacoma and along Pacific Avenue is Union Station, which stands as a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The station opened in 1911, this historic building now serves as a courthouse and features beautiful glass installations by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The Museum of Glass is another must-see attraction in Tacoma. At the museum, you can see contemporary glass art and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a pedestrian walkway adorned with vibrant glass sculptures.

The Museum of Glass in across the former track from Union Station, and the architectural diversity of Tacoma is further highlighted by the Washington State History Museum, located next to Union Station. It is a interesting museum with deep dives into the state’s history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Nearby, the Tacoma Art Museum focuses on art from the American West and Pacific Northwest, providing a rich cultural experience for art lovers.

You can also head some blocks north to the Old City Hall Historic District where the five-story Old City Hall stands as a monument of the late 1800s. The buildings reflects the Italian Villa style, and it features a ten-story clock tower. Across the street to the east is the Northern Pacific Office Building from 1891, and to the west are the Spanish Steps from 1916 connecting Commerce Street and Broadway. There are also some theatres in the area, like Rialto Theater from 1918 and Pantages Theatre from 1916. And you can notice other buildings as well, such as the 1889 Bostwick Hotel on a triangular junction between St. Helens, Broadway and Ninth Streets.

With Tacoma’s stunning location to Commencement Bay and other waters, there are many options for a tour out of the city. To the west is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The original bridge was opened 1 July 1940 and collapsed into Puget Sound on 7 November the same year. The present Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a pair of twin suspension bridges that span the Tacoma Narrows strait with openings in 1950 and 2007 respectively. Close to the bridges, you can visit Fort Nisqually, a living history museum that was an important fur trading and farming post of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the Puget Sound area. You can also sail from Point Defiance to Tahlequay with striking views of the area and to Mount Rainier.