All About Ballard (Seattle, WA)
- by Pamela LaSalle
Ballard is a city in transition as it emerges from a century of industrial dominance to a delightful mix of commercial maritime activities and recreational waterfront attractions.
Originally occupied by the Shilshole (Shul-shale) Indian tribe, Scandinavia seafarers established the city of Ballard in 1889 to support fishing and timber interests. Known for its boat yards and lumber mills, the pioneer town thrived as the Northwest grew. In 1895, the town was given the title of "Cedar Shingle Capital of the World" -- this industry helped rebuild Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, which destroyed a large section of the city. Due to rapid growth and water constraints, Ballard was annexed into the City of Seattle in 1907 after much controversy.
As the commercial fishing industry continued to grow, Ballard became the gateway to the fertile fishing grounds of Alaska. The founding Scandinavian influence continued to attract emigrants from Norway and Sweden to work the mill docks, boat yards and fishing vessels. Their strong work ethic and maritime heritage brought commerce to the area making Ballard the third largest town in the State of Washington by the 1920's. These early immigrants contributed a great deal to the logging and fishing industry of the Pacific Northwest. The Heritage Nordic Museum in Ballard has done a magnificent job of showcasing these contributions.
After the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks were completed in 1916, the waterways of the Puget Sound, Salmon Bay, Lake Union and Lake Washington were joined to provide better accessibility to industries along Seattle's inland waterways. Fishermen's Terminal became the home port for the North Pacific Fishing Fleet and today hosts more than 400 commercial fishing vessels.
Tremendous change has come to Ballard as condos and yacht marinas displace the ship yards, and hip restaurants and cute boutiques fill the old buildings that once housed machine shops and sail lofts. The history of its ancestors still permeates the city and once in a while you might still hear an old timer say, Ya, sure you betcha.
Community Links:
Ballard Chamber of Commerce
Ballard News-Tribune Community Newspaper
InBallard.com guide to Ballard
Ballard Locks (Seattle Parks)
Nordic Heritage Museum
Ballard Historical Society
