Freighthouse Square: A Historical Journey
Since its opening in 1909 as a freight terminal for the Milwaukee Road, Freighthouse Square has become woven into Tacoma’s identity. What began as a railroad facility evolved into a thriving commercial hub, nurturing countless businesses and establishing itself as a civic landmark. Though it faces modern challenges—including ongoing light rail expansion discussions—Freighthouse Square remains a vital anchor of Tacoma’s culture and economy.
The Railroad Years (1909–1980)
Birth of a Depot
Contractor H. Chase & Co. built the original structure in 1909 for the Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul Railway Company. The modest facility measured just 540 by 50 feet—a size that proved insufficient within a generation. By 1941, it had been expanded to meet growing demand.
A Transcontinental Ambition
The Milwaukee Road stretched passenger service westward from Chicago, and in 1905, the Chicago, Milwaukee, & Puget Sound Railway was formed to keep pace with competitors racing to the Pacific Coast. The Tacoma depot opened its doors in 1909, followed by the start of passenger service in 1911. Three years later, the Puget Sound operation merged with its larger Chicago parent, consolidating the line’s future.
Peak Performance
Electrification of the Seattle-Tacoma corridor transformed the railway’s efficiency and profitability. By 1917, management tracked the Puget Sound extension’s finances separately, seeking proof of its viability. The answer came in 1921 when company testimony revealed the Pacific extension was generating 40% of systemwide net earnings—a remarkable achievement for a regional operation.
“While the traffic density on this part of the system is less than on the eastern lines, large, electrically operated units make for operating economies.”
A Hub of Operations
During its heyday, Freighthouse Station served multiple roles: freight warehouse, administrative center, and divisional headquarters for the West Coast operations. The Milwaukee Road Historical Association credits it as a vital nerve center for the railroad’s Pacific network.
The Decline
The jet age dealt a serious blow to American rail travel. After decades of steady operation, the Milwaukee Road filed for bankruptcy in 1977 and abandoned its entire Pacific extension—spanning Montana, Idaho, and Washington—by 1980, ending nearly a century of service.
Freighthouse Square Emerges (1987–Today)
Keith Stone purchased the historic structure and reimagined it as Freighthouse Square, a shopping and dining destination that opened in July 1987. The timing proved fortuitous, arriving just as the nearby Tacoma Dome was establishing the neighborhood as a retail and entertainment focal point.
The Founding Tenants
Early anchors included Baskets Etcetera, the Yum Yum Tree Restaurant, and the legendary Peggy’s Cinnamon Rolls. Though many original businesses have moved on, visitors swear they can still catch the phantom aroma of fresh cinnamon drifting through the halls—a lingering testament to its storied past.