Pt. Defiance is a 760-acre park in Tacoma, WA that includes a zoo with two aquariums, beach access, jogging trails, and beautiful gardens. It began as a military reservation with Ft. Nisqually at one point. In 1888, President Grover Cleveland authorized the land to be used as a public park. The rose garden has an…Read more »
Tag: history
Black Diamond
I visited the town of Black Diamond, WA. It’s an old coal mining town. It’s a great country-styled town with a bakery, smoked meat shop, a great antique shop, and a historical museum. A little bit of history for you: In the early 1880’s, the Black Diamond Coal CO. of CA was depleting its supplies…Read more »
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
The park was named after James W. Marshall who discovered gold in January 24, 1848 in Coloma, CA. This discovery started the great gold rush in California and resulted in its admission into the union as the 31st state. Soon after gold was discovered, experienced miners from Chile came to California. They introduced the Chilean…Read more »
The Historic State Park of The Empire Mine
William Bourn, Jr. took over management of the mine to keep it from closing. He pushed several mine shafts past the 1,200 foot level and brought the mine into profit status. Mr. Bourn had a cottage made for his family and himself. He hired others to maintain his great gardens. Here are some pictures I…Read more »
Early Seattle Vigilantes
I have heard stories about the depression era and other histories of Seattle, but this one caught me by surprise. I thought I would share it. In 1882, the public was outraged by the ineffective police response, increased lawlessness, and lenient court systems. After a popular merchant had been robbed and murdered, an organized vigilante…Read more »
Superstition & Song
Some of you may remember a parent or grandparent saying this ditty before you went to sleep. “Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Did you know it was based on truth? Old superstitions and religion thought it evil to bathe more than a month at a time. It was thought a sign of vanity.…Read more »
London Bridge
Remember the old ditty, “London Bridge is Falling Down?” That song was based on truth. The original London Bridge endured 50,000 pedestrians daily over 140 years until the bridge slowly began to sink in the soft bottom of the Thames River. England decided to sell the London Bridge and the USA bought it for millions…Read more »