Introduction
Have you ever heard of Tacoma, Washington?
You might be surprised to learn that it was once poised to become the biggest city in Washington state, potentially outshining even Seattle. But through a series of unfortunate decisions, economic shifts, and fierce competition, Tacoma lost its momentum and faded into relative obscurity.
🔹 Why did Tacoma lose to Seattle?
🔹 What were its biggest missed opportunities?
🔹 Could Tacoma have been the dominant city in the Pacific Northwest today?
Let’s dive into the rise and fall of Tacoma, the city that almost took Seattle’s place as Washington’s crown jewel.
The Geography That Set the Stage
Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma’s history was shaped by its geography—specifically, the Puget Sound.
📍 What is the Puget Sound?
- A complex system of interconnected marine waterways
- Stretches 100 miles from Deception Pass to Olympia
- A massive fjord with deep channels, some reaching 900 feet deep
Tacoma is positioned along the Puget Sound, surrounded by natural resources that fueled its early economy:
🌲 Forests – Towering old-growth trees provided endless timber.
🚢 Deep harbors – Perfect for trade, industry, and shipbuilding.
🏔 Mountains – The Cascades and Olympic Mountains shaped migration and commerce.
With navigable waterways, vast forests, and a strategic location, Tacoma had everything needed to become a major city. In fact, it was initially chosen over Seattle as the terminus for the Northern Pacific Railroad—one of the most important railways in the western U.S.
So why did Seattle ultimately win?
Tacoma’s Rise: The Railroad’s Chosen City
The 1870s: Tacoma’s Big Moment
In 1873, the Northern Pacific Railroad selected Tacoma as its western terminus—a game-changer that seemed to secure Tacoma’s future as Washington’s dominant city.
Why was this important?
✅ The transcontinental railroad connected Tacoma to Chicago and St. Paul.
✅ Tacoma’s deepwater port gave it direct access to international trade.
✅ It was positioned to become the economic hub of the Pacific Northwest.
At this point, Tacoma looked destined for greatness.
The Turning Point: How Seattle Fought Back
1. Seattle Secures Its Own Rail Connection (1884)
Tacoma may have been the railroad’s original choice, but Seattle’s business leaders weren’t going to let that stand.
- Seattle aggressively pursued its own rail connections.
- In 1884, just three years after Tacoma’s railway was completed, Seattle secured its own transcontinental link.
- Tacoma’s first-mover advantage was erased.
With its own rail access, Seattle didn’t need to rely on Tacoma’s port. This move undermined Tacoma’s dominance and set the stage for Seattle’s rapid expansion.
2. The 1893 Economic Depression Hits Tacoma Hard
- The Panic of 1893 triggered a severe economic downturn.
- The Northern Pacific Railroad went bankrupt, leaving Tacoma’s future uncertain.
- Tacoma struggled to recover, while Seattle—having diversified its economy—bounced back faster.
3. The Klondike Gold Rush (1897): Seattle’s Genius Marketing Move
One of the biggest economic booms in Washington history came in 1897 when gold was discovered in the Yukon Territory.
⛏ Tens of thousands of prospectors rushed north to strike it rich.
Seattle immediately launched an aggressive marketing campaign, branding itself as:
🏔 “The Gateway to Alaska”
🚢 The best launch point for gold miners
💰 The place to buy supplies for the Klondike journey
Seattle’s early marketing efforts worked. The first gold-laden ship arrived in Seattle, not Tacoma, and newspapers across the country promoted Seattle as the go-to city for miners.
Tacoma failed to react quickly.
- Tacoma’s newspapers downplayed the gold rush, calling it a risky gamble.
- Seattle welcomed prospectors with open arms, securing millions in economic activity.
- Tacoma’s political scene was in chaos, with two rival governments fighting for control.
By the time Tacoma tried to catch up, Seattle had already won the Klondike boom—cementing its status as Washington’s dominant city.
The Aftermath: Tacoma Fades, Seattle Thrives
By the early 1900s, the power struggle between Tacoma and Seattle was effectively over.
📊 Population in 1910:
- Seattle: 240,000
- Tacoma: 88,000
Seattle had solidified itself as Washington’s largest and most influential city.
Meanwhile, Tacoma had missed too many opportunities:
❌ It lost its monopoly on rail connections.
❌ It failed to capitalize on the gold rush.
❌ Its divided leadership slowed down economic progress.
By the time Boeing was founded in Seattle in 1916, further securing the city’s economic dominance, Tacoma had already been left behind.
Could Tacoma Have Become the “Second City” of the Northwest?
Even though Seattle won the battle, Tacoma still had the potential to become the region’s second major city—perhaps even overtaking Portland.
🔹 Why didn’t that happen?
1. Tacoma’s Labor Issues Hurt Its Port Growth
While Tacoma’s port had potential, it never matched Seattle’s aggressive expansion.
- Seattle’s longshoremen had better labor conditions, making it more attractive for workers.
- Tacoma’s port struggled with a more conservative labor climate, slowing growth.
2. Portland Had a Stronger Agricultural Base
Portland, despite its inland location, had one key advantage over Tacoma:
🚜 The Willamette Valley – One of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world.
- Portland became the shipping hub for Oregon’s vast agricultural output.
- Tacoma, lacking this agricultural backing, had to compete directly with Seattle—and lost.
Tacoma Today: A City in Seattle’s Shadow
📊 Today’s Population (2024):
- Seattle: 755,000
- Tacoma: 222,000
While Tacoma never became the Pacific Northwest’s dominant city, it remains:
✔️ A beautiful port city with strong industry.
✔️ Home to major military installations.
✔️ A key part of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area (4.2 million people).
💬 What do you think? Could Tacoma have outshined Seattle with better decisions? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️
