Steilacoom Historical Museum Association
As time passed, Tacoma took over Steilacoom’s place. The county seat moved to Tacoma when it became the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Many of the businesses along Commercial Street moved to the bigger town and the population dwindled.
With the introduction of an electric railroad running between Steilacoom and Tacoma in 1891 Steilacoom became known as a tourist destination. Prominent Tacoma businessman built summer cottages looking out to the water and commuted back and forth while others came to enjoy the view and stay a day or two.
In 1914 the town was torn from the beach as the Northern Pacific Railroad was built along the waterfront and the cottages were either torn down or moved. With the advent of the car, WWI, and the Great Depression, Steilacoom again became a sleepy town. Awakening in the 1940s with the proximity to an expanding Fort Lewis and McNeil Island Penitentiary, houses were constructed to accommodate the growing population. In 1940, the population was 823 and in 1950, 1233. During the 1950s Steilacoom celebrated four centennials commemorating its many firsts in the territory.
Recognizing its historic significance the town established the Steilacoom Historic District in 1973 to protect and preserve its historic structures. With the consolidation of the Steilacoom, Anderson Island, and DuPont School Districts the Steilacoom High School became a reality.
History of Steilacoom
Captain Lafayette Balch, a Maine sea captain, founded Steilacoom in January, 1851. Originally he called it “Port Steilacoom.” A few months later John B. Chapman took a donation claim to the west, naming his town “Steilacoom City.” In 1854 the new territorial legislature incorporated “Steilacoom” combining the two rival towns into one. They were joined by Union Avenue.
Steilacoom was known as the “town of firsts:”
First Territorial Court in Washington - 1849
First Port of Washington - 1849
First Post Office began in June 14, 1852
First protestant church north of the Columbia River - 1853
First incorporated town in Washington - 1854
First School District, Public Library, Jail in Washington - 1858
First Soap Factory in the Northwest - 1864
First Gas Station and Garage opened 1925
Enjoy this video about Steilacoom and its history, created in 2016 by students at Steilacoom High School:
