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Federal Way, Washington

Located between Seattle and Tacoma along I-5, Federal Way takes its name from Federal Highway 99 — the old Pacific Highway. Once a quiet logging area, it boomed in the 1960s-80s with the opening of Weyerhaeuser's headquarters and the SeaTac Mall, becoming one of Washington's largest cities.
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Founded 1929 | Population 101,000 | Peak 101,000 (2024) | County King County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Federal Way, Washington

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1929Named: The community was named for Federal Highway 99, the main road connecting Seattle and Tacoma.
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1968Weyerhaeuser HQ: Weyerhaeuser, one of the world's largest timber companies, moved its headquarters to Federal Way.
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1975SeaTac Mall: SeaTac Mall (later The Commons at Federal Way) opened, establishing the city as a retail center.
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1990Incorporated: Federal Way incorporated as a city, becoming the 6th largest in Washington.
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2007Performing Arts Center: The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center enhanced the city's cultural offerings.
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Latest News in Federal Way

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Complete Historical Timeline

1929 Transport
Named
1968 Business
Weyerhaeuser HQ
1975 Business
SeaTac Mall
1990 Government
Incorporated
2007 Culture
Performing Arts Center

Did You Know?

1
Named for Federal Highway 99, not the federal government.
2
Sits midway between Seattle and Tacoma.
3
Weyerhaeuser, one of the world's largest timber companies, was headquartered here.
4
Federal Way is located in King County, Washington.
5
Federal Way was founded in 1929.
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