West Seattle is the oldest and biggest of Seattle’s neighborhoods—the first white settlers arrived in 1851!—and its bustling center, full of activity, excitement and culture, is The Junction.

Two streetcar lines crossed at the junction of California and Alaska streets in 1907, and violà! the ”new center of Greater West Seattle” was born. In just a couple of years, The Junction grew into a destination-worthy “home town” business district—this particular brand of charm and friendliness has been passed along to the 275 shops and businesses that thrive here today.

The last streetcar may have jingle-jangled through in 1940, but The Junction has kept up a full head of steam. The “walk all ways” pedestrian crossing system at the corner of California and Alaska was established in 1952—visitors and locals alike still benefit from this foot-friendly system, now more than 50 years on!