Neighborhood Tours
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North Slope Walking Tour
This residential neighborhood covers 228 acres and contains over 1200 homes, making it one of the largest historic districts west of the Mississippi. Starting in the 1880s, the area was settled as a streetcar suburb and includes a wide variety of architectural styles on its tree-lined streets.
MLK / Historic K Street Walking Tour
In the 1880s, those working in nearby iron works, furniture factories, lumber mills, a salmon canner 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. Featured as Historic Tacoma's 2008 Walking Tour.
Wedge Neighborhood
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.
Specialized Tours
Tacoma's Historic Sacred Places 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, click here to view the Tour Guide & Map. For exterior and interior views of Old St. Peter's, Tacoma's oldest surviving religious structure, built in 1873, see photographer Mike Martin's virtual tour.
Tacoma's Historic Schools
A sampling of Tacoma's impressive collection of architecturally significant historic schools. Close to 30 pre-1960 schools will be included in a 2009 historic resource inventory project. The most significant schools will be nominated to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. The project will also include publication & programming elements and is co-sponsored by Historic Tacoma and Tacoma School District.
Tacoma Sweets: A Confectionary History
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.
And more ways to SEE Tacoma:
Tacoma Then and Now
Gordon Swetland's blog features photos comparing Tacoma's past to the present, with a dose of historical perspective and editorial comment. Includes links to contemporary photos and 1978 photos by Tacoma-Fairbanks photography legend Stephen Cysewski. You'll see "why it's important to document this great city and realize the changes... it will leave you thinking happy thoughts in a difficult time."
