A visitor to Tacoma, Washington could be easily overwhelmed by all of the history surrounding them. Luckily, the National Historic Register has officially recognized the most important historical sites. While you still might not be able to hit all of these the first time through, history buffs can use this guide as an introduction to the best of what Tacoma has to offer.

1. Engine House No. 9: Built in 1907 as the North End’s fire protection center, the Engine House was recognized as a historical site in 1975. In 1992, the site became the first non-smoking pub in Pierce County, and it now houses a microbrewery with eight local beers.
2. Stadium High School: This building was originally designed as a hotel in the late 1890s. However, a fire destroyed the building before it was finished, and architect Frederick Heath put forth the designs to turn it into a school, which opened in 1906. The school was the setting for 10 Things I Hate About You.
3. William Ross Rust House: This 18-room mansion was magnate William Ross Rust’s personal home, and was designed by architect Ambrose J. Russell. Built in 1905, the National Historic Register recognized it in 1985. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction for its vision of turn-of-the-century opulence.
4. Pythian Temple: This 1906 building housed the Knights of Pythias, a secret society that was the first to receive a charter from the U.S. Congress. The order is still active today. The building also includes the Broadway Quickstop Deli as well as Seabury Middle School, a private school for gifted children.
5. Blue Mouse Theatre: John Hamrick opened several Blue Mouse Theatres across the Pacific Northwest. Tacoma’s Blue Mouse, built in 1923, is notable for being the oldest continuously operating theater in the state. Today, it shows second-run films and is supported by community donations.