Wedgwood in Seattle History

The Fremont neighborhood of Seattle began in 1888 as a named, planned real estate development.  With its advantageous location at the northwest corner of Lake Union, Fremont grew rapidly.  In addition to its location with access to natural resources like water, Fremont’s vitality can be attributed to its dynamic and enterprising early residents.

In 1894 Ross and Fremont were shown as place names with railroad stops. The ship canal had not yet been built but there was a creek called The Outlet from Lake Union, flowing westward.  McKee’s map (see source list)

From earliest days, Fremont residents accessed the resource of water flowing westward out of Lake Union toward Puget Sound.  One of the first Seattle settlers to see the advantages of the location was John Ross who had a homestead claim on the small creek.

The Outlet, or Ross Creek, as it became known, was gradually enlarged over the years to allow logs to be floated toward sawmills in Fremont and Ballard, and then out to Puget Sound where products could be loaded onto ships.

Fremont’s early residents continually advocated for a larger canal in place of the creek, though it took many years to see the plans finally go ahead.  First a Port District was established by the Washington State Legislature in 1911, and then construction of the ship canal could begin, along with other waterways projects.

Continue reading →