The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 was a significant turning point in Seattle's history and changed both the physical and political landscapes of the City, destroying 100 acres of Seattle's business district and waterfront. The city didn't take much time to mourn; most businesses decided to rebuild where they had been, and rebuilding began almost immediately. This image, facing south from Second Avenue a month after the fire, shows tents set up amongst the ruins to provide emergency relief and to allow business to continue to operate. Elliott Bay and West Seattle can be seen in the distance beyond the central business district.

Handwritten on negative: Rebuilding after the fire, looking south from Second St. Signs in image: W. W. Buchanan & Sons, Wagons, Carriages, Harness Makers; Pantheon Saloon, W. F. Allen ppr; H. Jones & Son, Boots & Shoes; Wisconsin House; E. A. Cohn Clothing House; Puget Sound Steam Laundry Caption information source: https://content.lib.washington.edu/extras/seattle-fire.html Caption information source: http://arcadenw.org/article/visualizing-the-great-seattle-fire-of-1889

• Subjects (LCTGM): Business districts--Washington (State)--Seattle; Great Fire, Seattle, Wash., 1889; Ruins--Washington (State)--Seattle; Tents--Washington (State)--Seattle