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Tag: Interstate 90

1950 highway map
Check out 1950 Washington highway map

Check out 1950 Washington highway map

Most Washingtonians probably can’t even remember life before Interstate 5, I-90 and I-405 were built in our state. But a 1950 state highway map found on our Legacy Washington webpage shows the routes drivers traveled before the arrival of our interstate freeways. You can make some interesting observations by closely examining the map, which was published by the Washington State Highway Commission: The main north-south highway in Western Washington was U.S. 99, which connected Bellingham, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and…

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Farewell, Snoqualmie Pass snowshed

Farewell, Snoqualmie Pass snowshed

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) Motorists using Interstate 90 to cross the Cascades this spring and summer will notice that a unique, classic feature of the freeway east of Snoqualmie Pass is no longer around. After 64 years, the I-90 snowshed next to Keechelus Lake has been removed by a road crew this week. Construction starts this summer on two avalanche bridges that will replace the outdated snowshed. The bridges are part of the $551 million project to widen…

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Library jewel #2: History of NW roads, pioneer trails

Library jewel #2: History of NW roads, pioneer trails

(Image courtesy of Washington State Library) We’re all familiar with Washington’s network of freeways and highways. But not many of us know about the early days of roads or pioneer trails in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to the efforts of one couple in the 1960s, the State Library possesses a vast collection of information and photos about those early roads and pioneer trails. George and Annie Drew researched the history of Washington State. Their research turned into a…

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Archives photos capture opening of two key bridges

Archives photos capture opening of two key bridges

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) Back in 1940, the first week of July was a busy time for bridge dedications in our state. July 1 marks the anniversary when the first Narrows Bridge (photo above) between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula was dedicated in 1940. However, that bridge lasted only four months. On Nov. 7, 1940, “Galloping Gertie” collapsed in a windstorm. Fortunately, there was no loss of human life during the disaster, although a dog named Tubby perished. …

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1924 road map opens “State Library jewels” poll

1924 road map opens “State Library jewels” poll

We recently finished showcasing three special items housed in our State Archives. Now, it’s the State Library’s turn. Starting this week, we’ll do a monthly feature on three of the many rare, unique or interesting items, maps and collections found in the State Library. After we show them off, you and others can vote in our online poll by choosing the State Library “contestant” you like best. After a few days, we’ll announce the January winner. The first contestant is…

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