Robertson pile raft, Seattle, 1899 (MOHAI 952)

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of August 11, 1899, this mammoth raft is ready for launching from its West Seattle birthplace. Captain H. R. Robertson, the inventor of this method of transporting log piles to market, started his business on the East coast before moving to the Seattle area. This raft was said to be the largest cargo ever seen on the Pacific Coast, measuring over 625 feet long and having 11,000 piles. It was to be towed to San Francisco by steamer.
Caption on image: Robinson Pile Raft. Wilse.
Subjects (LCTGM): Vessels--Washington (State)--Seattle; Hoisting machinery--Washington (State)--Seattle; Lumber--Washington (State)--Seattle; Bodies of water--Washington (State)--Seattle