Welcome to the Rainier Valley Historical Society
The Rainier Valley Historical Society records and provides access to the rich history of Seattle's Rainier Valley!
Explore the unique history of the Rainier Valley, Seattle's most diverse community!
In 1890 J. K. Edmiston built an electric railway through the heavily wooded and sparsely populated Rainier Valley, hoping to attract buyers for the lots he had platted in the town he called Columbia. Over decades that followed, unique communities grew up around the streetcar stations: the Italian neighborhood of "Garlic Gulch" at Atlantic Street, intentionally tony Mount Baker, Columbia City with its world-famous fireworks factory, Hillman City's Irish community, and so on, all the way to Taylor's Mill south of Rainier Beach.
Today some of these communities have faded from memory -- York, anyone? -- but others retain their distinct identities. Immigrants from Southeast Asia, East Africa, and elsewhere have followed in the footsteps of the Italians and Irish, making new homes in this uniquely diverse community. A thriving multi-cultural arts community includes glass-blowers, painters, quilters, dancers, and more.
As we welcome Light Rail back to our community 70 years after the streetcar tracks were removed from Rainier Avenue, our community faces new challenges and opportunities for growth and change.
At the Rainier Valley Historical Society we work to collect, preserve, and share the stories that make up this vibrant, ever-changing neighborhood.
This web site made possible in part by a grant from 4Culture.
