File:Southwest view of Seattle after fire, July 1889 (MOHAI 9693).jpg

The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 was a significant turning point in Seattle's history and changed both the physical and political landscapes of the City, destroying 100 acres of Seattle's business district and waterfront. The city didn't take much time to mourn; most businesses decided to rebuild where they had been, and rebuilding began almost immediately. This image, looking southwest from Second Avenue and James Street a month after the fire, shows tents set up amongst the ruins to provide emergency relief and to allow business to continue to operate. Elliott Bay and West Seattle can be seen in the distance beyond the central business district.

Handwritten on negative: Southwest from Second and James, Seattle Wash July 1889, McManus 1912 Signs in image: California Lodging House, Frederick Golding, ppr; Thistle Saloon; M & K Gottstein, Wholesale Liquors & Cigars; The New Arcade Saloon; St. James Restaurant; Eureka Milk & Bread; Senate Saloon, Davies & Harvey; Star Saloon, Pool Room; E. C. Slorah's Saloon; Dexter Horton & Co. Bank; The Jewel Saloon Caption information source: https://content.lib.washington.edu/extras/seattle-fire.html Caption information source: http://arcadenw.org/article/visualizing-the-great-seattle-fire-of-1889

• Subjects (LCTGM): Business districts--Washington (State)--Seattle; Great Fire, Seattle, Wash., 1889; Ruins--Washington (State)--Seattle; Tents--Washington (State)--Seattle;