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Before European arrival, indigenous groups such as the Coast Salish, Duwamish, and Suquamish flourished in the area, utilizing its rich fisheries and forests. The arrival of European explorers and fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company in the late 1700s marked the beginning of dramatic changes, leading to the establishment of Washington Territory in 1853 and a significant focus on natural resources.
Timber mills flourished, ever-increasing competition between emerging cities like Tacoma and Seattle spurred growth. Tacoma experienced a significant boost when it was selected as the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s, giving it a foothold over Seattle.