Past 100 Years

On June 23, 1908, Tukwila was officially incorporated as a city. Over the next 100 years, Tukwila forged a legacy as a vital transportation hub, a center for commerce and a region rich with cultural diversity.

 

Almost half a year before Arthur Denny’s boat entered Puget Sound, a group of local pioneers had already discovered the beautiful Duwamish Valley. According to local historians, on June 21, 1851, the Collins party led by Luther Collins settled in the area and soon began to homestead. Along with his family and other pioneering individuals, Collins created a community that has grown into the area known as Tukwila.

Of course, for thousands of years before the first “settlers” arrived, the early Duwamish Native Americans made the area their home. The Duwamish natives found the area to be a fertile and abundant area within which to live. The Duwamish river valleys, hills, and rocky promontories are current remainders of the last glacial retreat and form Tukwila’s natural perimeter. Numerous geological sites are subject of ancient Duwamish myth, making our area a cherished part of the Puget Sound Salish heritage.

As Tukwila was settled, a band of energetic people took reign in the city’s development. The most well known was Joseph Foster. He was a farmer, entrepreneur, and legislative representative during Washington’s territorial period starting in 1853. His contributions to the development of the Duwamish Valley have left a lasting impression, while his most tangible influence continues to be seen today in our schools and parks.

On June 23, 1908, Tukwila was officially incorporated as a city. The first mayor, Joel B. Shomaker, is credited with leading the charge to establish Tukwila as a city. Over the next 100 years, Tukwila forged a legacy as a vital transportation hub, a center for commerce and a region rich with cultural diversity.