As of 2022, Washington has a whopping 7.8 million residents. And while we really can’t blame anyone for wanting to move to the Evergreen State, a steady population growth is bound to lead to some major changes over time. Check out some vintage photos from the archives compared with the exact same city, town or landmark today.

1. This is Cashmere, a small town in Chelan County, in the 1950s.
Publichall / Wikipedia
Cashmere is best known for being the birthplace of Applets and Cotlets as well as its former sawmill.
While its days of a lumber-driven economy are over, Cashmere still maintains its same small town charm.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Places like The Vale Theatre, however, are long gone.
2. Do you remember the Seattle skyline before the Space Needle?
Seattle Municipal Archives / Wikipedia
Here it is being constructed in 1961.
All these years later, the Space Needle still makes the Emerald City skyline stand out in a crowd.
rpphotos / Flickr
Nearly 60 million people have visited the Space Needle since its 1962 opening.
3. Here's downtown Walla Walla in the (very) early 1900s...
simpleinsomnia / Flickr
... and here's downtown Walla Walla in the summer of 2021.
Ken Lund / Flickr
America's top wine region also happens to be a fantastic vacation destination.
4. This photo in front of the Seattle Aquarium was taken in the 1970s.
Onasill - Bill Badzo / Flickr
That's when the aquarium was shiny and new... and a lot smaller than it is today.

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The Seattle Aquarium has undergone some renovations since it 1977 opening, but it still has the same structure.
Seattle Aquarium / Google
They recently announced that a new Ocean Pavilion will open by 2024, so it's about to look much different.
5. This is a glimpse of Yakima in the 1950s, courtesy of a vintage postcard.
James Tworow / Flickr
It looked like a pretty delightful place to call home.
The Yakima Valley has since expanded immensely, with wineries, breweries, hops, shops, and restaurants galore...
mSeattle / Flickr
... but the downtown area really doesn't look that different, all things considered.
6. Spokane's Riverside Avenue looked pretty regal in 1923.
Frank Palmer / Wikipedia
Can you tell which intersection is ahead?
These days, the nearby River Park Square dazzles the downtown area.
Visit Spokane / Facebook
The shopping center originally opened in 1974 and was fully redeveloped in 1999.
7. Last but not least, check out Seattle's Dick's Drive-In in 1955.
Seattle Municipal Archives / Flickr
The Broadway location has always been a hot spot.
Dick's is still open in the same location and still going strong.
FYU Neru / Google
Talk about a place with staying power.

Which of these pictures surprised you the most?

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