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However, this railway advantage proved temporary. Tacoma's connection was delayed, allowing Seattle to make aggressive efforts for its own rail connections, culminating with its link to the transcontinental rail system in 1884. This shift marked a turning point in the region's competitive landscape.
Economic shifts, exacerbated by the depression of 1893 and Tacoma’s subsequent instability, began to stall its growth. The culmination of these troubles was the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897, a moment when Seattle successfully positioned itself as the primary gateway to Alaska through savvy publicity and marketing. Tacoma's tepid response meant it missed an economic boom that could have revitalized its fortunes.