On November 4, 1861, classes began at the Territorial University of Washington. The population of the city of Seattle at that time was 250. The overcrowded University outgrew its original ten acre site within thirty years. With a growing population of 50,000 in 1891, the city was encroaching on the site. The University needed to explore alternative locations that offered room for future expansion. The most desirable area was around Union Bay. The site was northeast of downtown on the shores of Lake Washington and Lake Union. It was first suggested in 1891, but it was not until 1893 that it was purchased and clearing for the campus commenced.
In 1894, the University hired A.W. Denny, at the cost of $12.75, to document the progress of work at the future campus site. His photographs depict the progress of clearing the site for construction starting from undisturbed forest land to fallen trees, stumps, and cleared and leveled ground.
Photographs of University of Washington campus during land clearing activities for initial construction. Also views of Lake Washington and Lake Union.
The entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Permission of the Visual Materials Curator is required to view original photographs.
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Processed by Erin Whitney, 2009, and Jennifer Hawkins, 2010.
On verso: Our corner of the campus cleared of heavy trees and stumps, ready for the plows and levelers.
On verso: Grove of young conifers
On verso: Starting on the new buildings U of W campus 1894
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. A glimpse of the Lake Washington shore of the Arboretum before being touched by the gardens. Washington (State) University Campus and Buildings.
On verso: University of Washington Campus, 1894. Tangle of native shrubs with the beautiful western spirea in the center
On verso: University of Washington Campus, 1894. Branch railroad through the forest to the site of the new buildings.
On verso: University Campus 1894. Lake Union as seen over one of the old corduroy roads.
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Shore of Lake Union in its wild state.
On verso: University of Washington Campus, 1894. Land cleared but not "stumped".
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Young cedar trees that will be preserved..
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Small hemlock tree.
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. One of the ravines being prepared for new plantings of imported trees and shrubs..
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Ready for the stumpers.
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. A splintered giant of the forest.
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Fallen timbers awaiting the attention of the gardeners and foresters.
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Glimpse of Union Bay of Lake Washington.
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Union Bay, and arm of Lake Washington supplying a perfect rowing course for races or pleasure trips.