Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives

You thought your rainy commute this morning was tough? Try doing it on a muddy “road” that is really a wide trail, while sitting in an uncovered wagon pulled by a horse.  No wonder train travel was so popular back then.

Long before Washingtonians had the luxury of automobiles, paved roads and traffic updates, they had to endure traveling SLOOOWLY from one place to another. At least the fuel was grass, not gas, back then.

This photo from roughly 1900 captures just how difficult traveling could be throughout The Evergreen State before Old 99, Interstate 5 and other freeways and highways were constructed.

October is Washington Archives Month. Go here to learn more about Archives Month events, or to view and download a PDF of the 2010 poster as well as previous posters.