For more than 150 years, the activity on and around Commencement Bay-since the 1840s, when Charles Wilkes first named it, to the present day-has been a barometer for measuring Tacoma's maritime and industrial growth and development. Wilkes's early exploration assured the inclusion of Puget Sound within the boundaries of the United States following negotiations with Great Britain in 1846. Drawn to the deep waters of the south shore of the bay, the Northern Pacific Railroad established its transcontinental terminus here in 1873 and, in the process, created the city of Tacoma. In the early years, the waterfront was alive with the sights and sounds of commerce. The "longest wheat wharf in the world" lined the south shoreline, longshoremen handled cargo, the Mosquito Fleet carried people to and from the municipal dock, and the Puyallup River delta was transformed into the bustling Port of Tacoma.

At YouGuide™, we are dedicated to bringing you the finest travel guides on the market, meticulously crafted for every type of traveler. Our guides serve as your ultimate companions, helping you make the most of your journeys around the world. Our team of dedicated experts works tirelessly to create comprehensive, up-todate, and captivating travel guides. Each guide is a treasure trove of essential information, insider insights, and captivating visuals. We go beyond the tourist trail, uncovering hidden treasures and sharing local wisdom that transforms your travels into extraordinary adventures. Countries change, and so do our guides. We take pride in delivering the most current information, ensuring your journey is a success. Whether you're an intrepid solo traveler, an adventurous couple, or a family eager for new horizons, our guides are your trusted companions to every country. For more travel guides and information, please visit www.youguide.com

In 1865, Job Carr paddled a canoe to his new homestead on a small harbor that would become Old Tacoma. The area's notorious reputation--as "The Wildest Port North of San Francisco's Barbary Coast"--haunted it for decades after the tall-masted schooners, sailors, brothels, and saloons were gone. Situated on the deepwater shoreline of Commencement Bay to ship timber from the vast tracts surrounding it, "Old Tacoma" was bypassed by the Northern Pacific terminus in favor of "New Tacoma" a few miles away. Settled by waves of Scandinavian and Croatian immigrants to work the mills and purse seiners, Old Tacoma became an isolated community. Though industry, shipbuilding, and timber mills gave way to commerce and recreation, the community of Old Tacoma still retains the unique flavor of its colorful past.