Washington might not be as old as most other states, but we’ve had our share of challenging moments, and we’ve shown courage and resilience in getting back on our feet.

October is Washington Archives Month, and this year’s theme is Washington’s struggles and setbacks over the years and how the people of this state have overcome them.

This photo from the State Archives’ State Library Collection shows a scene from the Great Seattle fire, taken at First Avenue and Madison. The fire destroyed the entire central business district on June 6, 1889.

If you haven’t heard of  the State Archives or explored all of the interesting photos and documents that it maintains, this is a great month to do it!