The reigning seaport on Puget Sound, Seattle had high hopes that the Northern Pacific Railroad would make the city its western terminus. Instead, the railroad chose Tacoma. In Seattle, panic gave way to resolve as the citizens rolled up their sleeves and built their own railroad. Here is the full story of the colorful pioneer enterprise that helped build the Pacific Northwest's greatest city. Over 160 photographs, maps, extensive archival documentation, and employee interviews make this the definitive account of one of the West Coast's most significant railroads.