Tacoma

The name 'Tacoma' was chosen for the city by General Morton Matthew McCarver, who was one of the founders of the township. McCarver named it after the nearby Mount Rainier, which he referred to by its indigenous name, 'Tacoma', meaning 'mother of waters' in the local Puyallup language. This decision aimed to honor the native history of the region while establishing a new settlement.

Tacoma was selected as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad on July 14, 1873. This pivotal decision was made by the railroad executives, and it had a significant impact on the city's development by attracting many settlers and businesses, contributing to Tacoma's rapid growth from a small settlement into a bustling city as the railroad connected it to the rest of the United States.

In November 1885, tensions between white residents and Chinese immigrants in Tacoma culminated in what became known as the Tacoma Riot of 1885. A mob of white Tacoma citizens forcibly expelled Chinese residents from the city. This violent expulsion resulted in the abandonment of Tacoma's Chinatown and is a significant, albeit dark, part of the city's history, reflecting the racial tensions of the time.

The Tacoma Hotel, a grand and opulent establishment, was opened on June 4, 1893. Designed by the renowned architect Stanford White, it became a symbol of the city's prosperity and an attraction for wealthy tourists. The hotel was notable for its distinctive architecture and luxurious amenities, exemplifying the ambitions of Tacoma to become a major urban center on the West Coast during this time period.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, nicknamed 'Galloping Gertie', suffered a catastrophic collapse on November 7, 1940. The suspension bridge twisted violently in high winds, ultimately failing and plunging into the Tacoma Narrows strait. This incident highlighted deficiencies in bridge design and engineering at the time. The collapse was a turning point in structural engineering, leading to significant advances in aeroelasticity understanding.

On January 1, 1961, the University of Puget Sound opened its new campus, a significant milestone in the institution's history. This expansion allowed the university to accommodate more students and offer expanded educational opportunities. The development of the new campus reflected Tacoma's growth as a center for higher education and its commitment to providing quality education in the region.

The Tacoma Dome, one of the largest wooden domed structures in the world, was opened on May 8, 1992. The multi-purpose arena hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sports games, and exhibitions. Its construction marked a significant development for Tacoma, providing the city with a major venue for large-scale events and contributing to its cultural and social life.

The Museum of Glass opened its doors on October 12, 2003, in Tacoma, Washington, dedicated to the art of glassmaking. This cultural landmark exhibits works by renowned glass artists and celebrates the medium's artistry and craftsmanship. The museum has played a central role in Tacoma's cultural revitalization, attracting visitors worldwide and contributing to the region's cultural identity.

In March 2010, significant expansion efforts were completed at the Port of Tacoma, one of the largest ports in North America. The expansion included improvements to infrastructure, increased cargo handling capacity, and modernization of facilities, enhancing the port's competitiveness and economic impact. The growth of the port signifies Tacoma's importance as a major hub in international trade and commerce.

On September 1, 2015, an extension to the Link Light Rail in Tacoma was opened, part of the city's efforts to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion. The enhanced light rail service provides efficient and reliable transit options for residents and visitors, contributing to urban development and environmental sustainability in the region.