1873
NP Chooses Tacoma
The Northern Pacific Railway selects Tacoma as its western terminus. The original "Prairie Line" connects Commencement Bay to the world, earning Tacoma the title: "City of Destiny."
Incorporated to tap timber and coal south of the city, the Tacoma Eastern eventually creates a world-class tourist route to Mount Rainier National Park.
1909
The Milwaukee Road Arrives
The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific completes its Pacific Extension, establishing a massive presence in the Tacoma tideflats.
1909 - 1910
Union Pacific Reaches the Sound
The Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company (part of the UP system) completes its line from Portland to Tacoma, adding transcontinental competition.
Tacoma Union Station opens May 1st. Its copper dome becomes a centerpiece for the city, serving the NP, GN, and UP railroads.
1912
Great Northern Expansion
The Great Northern Railway expands its influence in Tacoma, utilizing local facilities to connect the City of Destiny with the "High Line" across the northern states.
1914
The Water Level Route
The NP completes the Point Defiance Line. This scenic route bypasses the steep grades of the Prairie Line, becoming the main corridor for north-south traffic.
1914
Municipal Street Railway
The precursor to Tacoma Rail begins trolley service to the industrial flats, eventually evolving into the Tacoma Municipal Belt Line.
The Milwaukee Road electrifies the Coast Division. Legendary EP-2 Bipolars and EF Boxcabs handle heavy loads over the mountains until 1974.
The Northern Pacific, Great Northern, SP&S, and CB&Q merge to form the Burlington Northern Railroad.
1971
Amtrak Formed
Intercity passenger service transitions to Amtrak. Trains continue to run along the shoreline via the Point Defiance Line.
1980
End of the Milwaukee Road
The CMStP&P ceases all operations west of Miles City, Montana. The abandonment of the Pacific Extension is a significant loss for Northwest railroading.
On June 14, the last passenger train departs Union Station. The building is later restored as a Federal Courthouse in 1992.
1998
Emergence of Tacoma Rail
The Tacoma Municipal Belt Line is officially rebranded as Tacoma Rail. The shortline expands its operations, eventually managing the Tidelands, Capital, and Mountain divisions.
2000 - 2012
Sounder & Lakewood Sub
Commuter rail returns with Sounder service. Sound Transit acquires the Lakewood Subdivision, revitalizing the inland rail corridor.
Amtrak service moves to the inland Point Defiance Bypass and Freighthouse Square, completing Tacoma’s modern multi-modal hub.