Tacoma, Washington

1940Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse: The original suspension bridge, nicknamed 'Galloping Gertie,' dramatically collapsed in a windstorm just four months after opening. The dramatic footage became a famous lesson in engineering and physics.

1873Railroad Terminus Designated: The Northern Pacific chose Tacoma over Seattle as its western terminus, sparking a boom and earning the city its 'City of Destiny' nickname.

2002Museum of Glass Opens: The Museum of Glass and Chihuly Bridge of Glass anchored Tacoma's waterfront revitalization, transforming the gritty port city into a cultural destination.

1917Camp Lewis Established: The massive Army base brought tens of thousands of soldiers and their families, making the military Tacoma's largest economic force.

1885Tacoma Anti-Chinese Expulsion: A mob forcibly expelled the entire Chinese community from Tacoma, burning Chinatown to the ground. The city formally apologized in 1993.

1872Tacoma Incorporated: Tacoma was incorporated on the shores of Commencement Bay with Mount Rainier as its backdrop.

1950Aroma of Tacoma: The 'Tacoma Aroma' from pulp mills became the city's unwanted trademark, affecting its image for decades until environmental regulations reduced the smell.

1990Waterfront Cleanup: Commencement Bay was designated a Superfund site and underwent extensive cleanup, transforming from polluted industrial waterfront to a revitalized public space.

2003University of Washington Tacoma Growth: UW Tacoma expanded significantly, bringing a major university presence to the city's revitalizing downtown.

1929Stadium High School: The French chateau-style Stadium High School, originally built as a luxury hotel, became one of the most architecturally distinctive schools in America.