These publications have been created over several years through the efforts of Historic Tacoma volunteers, most of them members of the organization's board of directors. With support from several funding partners, these volunteers conducted considerable research to prepare these booklets and tours. It is our pleasure to share them with the public. If you find these publications useful, please consider making a small donation to Historic Tacoma. Thank you.
In the 1880s, those working in nearby iron works, furniture factories, lumber mills, a salmon cannery and the railroad sought affordable housing on the Hilltop. This growing immigrant population was supported by numerous small shops, churches, civic buildings and schools.
Post-war suburban development caused many to leave the Hilltop, but since 2000, young families, new immigrants and long-time residents began revitalizing the solidly built wood frame buildings. This tour was featured as Historic Tacoma’s 2008 Walking Tour.Starting in the 1880s, the North Slope area was settled primarily as a residential streetcar suburb and includes a wide variety of architectural styles on its tree-lined streets.
The North Slope Historic District is a residential neighborhood of 228 acres containing 1,285 homes, making it one of the state’s largest historic districts and one of the largest west of the Mississippi.
In 1890, the Northern Pacific Railway ushered in the birth of what would become the South Tacoma Business District by moving its railway shops from downtown Tacoma to the south of the city. The South Tacoma Business District and neighborhoods sprang up in the ensuing years. The working-class community supported additional development, including churches, schools, clubs and recreational activities. Substantial growth also occurred during the automobile era, since South Tacoma Way was Federal Highway 99 and the neighborhood still has a number of automotive related businesses. Featured as Historic Tacoma’s 2011 Walking Tour.
Tacoma had several soft drink, candy, ice cream, and doughnut companies at the turn of the century.
The Puget Sound area was a particular favorite of sweet makers in the days before climate-controlled interiors, due to moderate winters and cool summers. Another advantage was proximity to the Port of Tacoma for supplies of sugar, spices, fruits and cocoa beans necessary for the industries. This tour features the still-surviving Brown & Haley and Johnson Candy companies, as well as Hoyt Doughnut, House of Doughnuts, Whistle Brewing Company and more. This pamphlet highlights Tacoma's sweets history.A comprehensive inventory of historic sacred places was conducted by the City in 2009, identifying over 170 religious structures. This Historic Tacoma publication highlights 30 of the most architecturally significant buildings, prominent architectural styles, and architects and was funded by a grant from the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Washington. To visit 15 of the churches and a synagogue, featured on an October 2009 tour and open house, download the Tour Guide & Map.
In late 2009, a comprehensive inventory of Tacoma’s pre-1965 historic schools was conducted by Historic Tacoma Board Member Caroline Swope with Kingstree Studios under contract to Tacoma Public Schools. This publication produced by Historic Tacoma highlights 12 significant structures, prominent architectural styles used in school construction, and two architects who designed a number of Tacoma schools. The publication was funded by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Washington. Click HERE to download "Tacoma's Schools: An Architectural Primer".
Bounded by 6th Avenue, Division Street, and “L,” the neighborhood includes homes built from the late 1890s through the early 1930s by such prominent architects as Andrew Larsen, Frank Hill and Silas Nelsen.
Early in the 20th century, the Wedge was a very desirable area due to the close proximity to schools, churches and the hospital. The streetcars lines ran on the 3 boundaries of the Wedge district and residents could easily get to any location in Tacoma. Pivotal structures are the Titlow Mansion (410 S. Sheridan), J.C. Todd House (502 S. Sheridan), Tweeden House (514 S. Sheridan), and the Nelsen House (405 S. Sheridan). Featured as Historic Tacoma’s 2009 Walking Tour.
