Seattle, Washington During The 1930s

Washington has a few big cities, but Seattle’s been the largest metro area in our state by far for years. Long before we had the Space Needle or Monorail, this major city was significantly different than it is today. Thankfully, these 12 vintage photos of Seattle from the 1930s are still around for us to admire. You may be surprised by how much has changed:

1. This was the stunning night view from Smith Tower in Seattle, 1937.

2. The Aurora Bridge under constuction in 1931.

3. Driving on the Aurora Bridge in 1932 had a lot less traffic than it does now.

4. The corner of Second Ave and Pike Street downtown, 1934.

5. Hopping on the bus to East Green Lake, 1937.

7. The U.S.S. Tatnuck was seen here passing under the Fremont Bridge in 1936.

8. This was the Chief Seattle statue on 5th Ave and Denny Way in 1936. You can still find the structure in Belltown.

9. The Ballard Bridge under construction, 1939.

10. Looking down Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle, 1937.

11. In this photo, you can see Lake Union from the Queen Anne Hill. Taken in 1936.

12. The side of this old trash can downtown read, "Seattle is the cleanest and healthiest city in America. Help keep it so."

Aren’t these vintage photos of Seattle amazing? Do you have any photos of Emerald City, or any other cities in our state from the 1930s? Share them with us on Facebook!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Explore Washington

Fun Facts
History
Meet the Locals
Need to Know

What Washington’s Major City Looked Like In The 1930s May Shock You

Nikki Cleveland

Author

Related Stories

10 Things You Can't Do In Washington Anymore... But Wish You Could

10 Ways Living In Washington Ruins You For Life

12 Places From The Past That You Wish Would Come Back To Washington

Want more Washington in your inbox?

Related Articles

Explore Washington