Of the Territorial University of Washington;

150 years ago today the Territorial University of Washington opened its doors to students for the first time. It was opened on a donated section of land from Seattle pioneer Arthur Denny in what is now downtown Seattle. The university moved in 1895 to its current location. Not much remains from the original building other than a hand full of photos, 4 heavily restored fluted columns, and a a leased tract of land downtown. Today the students and graduates of the University of Washington celebrating the great history of this school and 150 years of higher education.


I've collected a few photos which show the original building of the University of Washington in the young city of Seattle. The links to the archives lead straight to their respective records pages where you can find links for larger original copies.



The Territorial University on opening day November 4th, 1861.
UW digital collections




An early shot of Seattle looking over what is now the downtown core and waterfront showing the Territorial University and Elliot Bay
Washington State Archives - Digital Archives




A southern view over 1870s Seattle from the original University of Washington location.
Washington State Archives - Digital Archives




A section from a photo of Seattle's waterfront.
Seattle Municipal Archives Photograph Collection




One of my favorite old maps of Seattle