Tacoma Map

Description: This map shows neighborhoods, streets, roads, trails, golf courses, lakes, rivers, buildings, railways, railway stations, and parks in Tacoma.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, museums, restrooms, piers, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Downtown Tacoma.

Description: This map shows where Tacoma is located on the Washington Map.

Other Maps of Tacoma

Tacoma is a seaport city in Pierce County, Washington, United States. Located on the shores of Commencement Bay in Puget Sound, Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington state and the county seat of Pierce County. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of approximately 219,346 residents, making it a significant urban center in the Pacific Northwest region.

Geography and Location

The city is situated approximately 32 miles southwest of Seattle and 31 miles northeast of the state capital, Olympia. Tacoma covers a total area of 62.42 square miles, with significant waterfront access that has historically shaped its development and economy.

Mount Rainier, one of the most prominent features of the region, is visible from many parts of Tacoma on clear days. The city's elevation ranges from sea level along the waterfront to approximately 500 feet in its higher residential areas. The local geography includes numerous hills, valleys, and waterways that define the city's distinct neighborhoods.

History

Tacoma was officially incorporated on November 12, 1875. The city's name derives from the native Lushootseed word for Mount Rainier, təqʷubəʔ, meaning "mother of waters." Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Puyallup people.

The selection of Tacoma as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1873 dramatically accelerated the city's growth and established its role as a major transportation and commercial hub. This designation led to rapid development and population growth in the late 19th century. The city became known as the "City of Destiny" due to this railroad connection, which was expected to make it a major metropolis.

Economy and Industry

The Port of Tacoma is one of the largest container ports in North America and plays a crucial role in the regional economy. Established in 1918, it handles millions of tons of cargo annually and provides thousands of jobs. The port specializes in containerized cargo, automobiles, and bulk commodities.

Historically, Tacoma's economy was heavily dependent on lumber and timber processing, earning it the nickname "Lumber Capital of the World" in the early 20th century. While the timber industry has declined, the city has diversified its economic base to include healthcare, education, technology, and military installations. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located south of Tacoma, is a major employer in the region.

Infrastructure

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The original bridge, completed in 1940, famously collapsed just months after opening due to wind-induced oscillations, an event extensively documented on film. The current bridge, opened in 1950, connects Tacoma to the Kitsap Peninsula and remains a vital transportation link.

Tacoma is served by multiple transportation systems including Sound Transit commuter rail, Pierce Transit bus service, and major highways such as Interstate 5 and State Route 16. The city also operates Tacoma Link, a free light rail system serving downtown.

Culture and Education

University of Puget Sound, a private liberal arts college, and the Tacoma campus of the University of Washington are the city's primary higher education institutions. Tacoma also hosts several museums, including the Museum of Glass, which features a distinctive cone-shaped hot shop designed by architect Arthur Erickson, and the Tacoma Art Museum.

The city has undergone significant revitalization efforts in recent decades, particularly in its downtown and waterfront areas. Historic preservation and urban renewal projects have transformed formerly industrial areas into mixed-use neighborhoods with residential, commercial, and cultural amenities.

Main sights in Tacoma

References