First Avenue looking north from Yesler, ca 1898 (MOHAI 7212)

By the late 1890s, Seattle's downtown area was expanding northwards from its origin near Pioneer Square. The area was still busy, however. Many of the suppliers and ticket agents for the Klondike and Nome gold rushes had stores and offices near Pioneer Square.
This photo was taken in Pioneer Square looking north along Pioneer Place (foreground) and First Avenue, which are paved in brick. Horse-drawn wagons move along the streets. Pedestrians hurry along the sidewalk in front of the Pioneer Building (right). Electric poles line the streets, supplying businesses with electricity. The empty tip of Pioneer Square can be seen to the left.

Subjects (LCTGM): Business districts