Coal gas lights Seattle streets, homes, and businesses for the first time on December 31, 1873.

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On December 31, 1873, coal gas is used for the first time to light Seattle streets, homes, and businesses.

Charles E. Burrows was awarded the franchise on June 6, 1873, and built a coal gas plant in the (present-day) Pioneer Square area.

Sources:
Myra L. Phelps, Public Works in Seattle: A Narrative History; The Engineering Department, 1875-1975 (Seattle: Seattle Engineering Department, 1978), 148.

By Greg Lange, November 04, 1998

Travel through time (chronological order):
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Downtown Seattle, looking south from Denny Hill; large building in upper left -- Territorial University (present-day site of Olympic Hotel); closest intersection, 2nd Avenue and Pike Street, 1876
Courtesy Schmid, Social Trends in Seattle