Nicholas DeLin capitalized on Tacoma's naturally deep harbor and rich forestry resources when he opened a lumber mill on the Tideflats in 1852. The first cargo shipped by the mill was carried to San Francisco in the brig George Emory in 1853.
Center for trade
In 1873, the Northern Pacific Railroad chose Tacoma as the western terminus of its transcontinental line. It was a major milestone to establishing Tacoma as a center for trade.
Tacoma was picked over cities such as Seattle and Port Townsend because:
- Commencement Bay could dock more than 50 ships at one time.
- The harbor was deep enough for vessels of any draft in any weather.
- Miles of tideland waterfront made it possible to expand dockage for future commercial use.
- Expansion could be accomplished by dredging waterways at a relatively small cost.
Major tea port
In addition to building its strong reputation for handling lumber, wheat, coal, and grain, Commencement Bay also became known as one of the largest ports of entry for tea from the Orient. The first cargo of tea arrived in Tacoma on the Isabel in 1885, just one year after the City of Tacoma was officially established.
Tacoma's growth
Tacoma's growth was also spurred in 1887 when Northern Pacific Railroad's Cascade line over Stampede Pass was completed. Tacoma's population went from 7,000 in 1885 to 36,000 in 1890.
Early shipping activity
Much of Tacoma's early shipping activity was concentrated around "Old Tacoma" and docks and rails stretching along Tacoma's Ruston Way area.
In 1889, waterfront monopolies in Washington state were dismantled. The new state constitution declared beds of navigable waters belonged to the people and allowed the legislature to designate harbors. It also provided a system for leasing waterfront tidelands and uplands in those areas.