Railroad, shoreline helped city grow

By MARK HIGGINS
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

The north end of town -- known as "Old Mukilteo" -- was once the heart and soul of the community. The first white settlers came ashore and homesteaded there in 1858. A gnarled, 133-year-old pear tree stands near the waterfront as a reminder of the orchards planted by settlers.

In 1855, when Washington was still a territory, Gov. Isaac Stevens came to Mukilteo to sign a peace treaty with 82 Native American leaders representing 22 tribes. The word "Mukilteo" is an Indian phrase meaning "good camping ground."

The city grew because of its deep-water shoreline and the arrival of the railroad. The shoreline sprouted mills, homes, a lighthouse, stores, a ferry terminal -- even a dynamite company that literally went up in smoke in 1930.

But for years, Old Mukilteo has struggled to maintain its appearance, though there are plans to redevelop the valuable land. A proposal to build a waterfront inn has resurfaced after a defeat by the City Council.

Mukilteo has been held back by its "ultra-conservative" nature, says Sullivan, who points to the fact that the city is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and still doesn't have a city hall. It leases space in a industrial park for city staff and its police department.

"That tells you something," he says.

Sullivan, who grew up in Mukilteo, recalls an old-time resident who passed away in 1972. The man offered to leave 12 acres of land to the city if it would maintain a bench in honor of his wife. The City Council turned down the offer, Sullivan says.

With an eye to the future, city officials are circulating a survey to see if current residents support building a new civic center at the Rosehill Community Center.

Continued:

• New meets old in this waterfront town
• Commuter hub hardly at a standstill
• Harbour Pointe's growing influence worries some
• Most residents happy with tranquil lifestyle