Entering Seattle one is immediately struck by an all-pervasive vibrancy and sense of youthful optimism. Construction activity, whether related to fixing potholes, the elegant Symphony Hall, sports stadiums, or the Jimi Hendrix museum, suggests a city on the move. Before long, however, traffic, among the worst in the country is sure to ensnarl you. While stuck in traffic look east and stunning views of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains or sailboat-studded Lake Washington present themselves. Look west and the jagged peaks of the Olympic Mountains and Lake Union stare back. A glance south and majestic Mount Rainier mesmerizes. Winding one’s way through Seattle’s intentionally individual neighborhoods—staid, trendy or funky—one is sure to spot an expresso stand.

Named after Chief Seattle of the Duwamish tribe, Seattle’s beginnings as a white settlement date back to 1851. From log cabins at Alki Beach it grew as a sawmill town on a series of hills between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, soon becoming an important seaport, which it still is today. Despite its rainy reputation, Seattle’s 32 inch annual rainfall, less than that of many US cities, explains its picturesque, verdant landscapes.

The city’s population is just over half a million, with a sprawling metropolis of some 2 million. The residents generally pride themselves on being politically progressive, culturally tolerant, environmentally sensitive and global in outlook. In 1989 Seattle’s overwhelmingly white majority elected an African American mayor.

The city’s changing image emerges in comparing the 1937 movie Stage Door, in which Lucille Ball complains: “Am I supposed to apologize for being born in Seattle?”, to Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and Frasier (NBC, 1993–), in which single yuppies give the city an image envied by millions around the world.

Seattle’s rich cultural amenities reflect the eclectic, experimental tastes of its population, which encompass classical Western ballet, Asian American theater, African American poetry, Native American dance, Mexican American music, gay choirs, fringe theater and grunge music made internationally famous by several local celebrities, including Seattle bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam. While forward-looking, its active citizenry has fought vigorously to preserve historical landmarks such as the Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the Space Needle and the Chittenden Locks.

Seattle’s postwar, Boeing-based economy was deliberately diversified to prevent the previously devastating boom-bust cycles. The economy now includes global giants like Microsoft, numerous spin-off high-technology companies, outdoor recreation stores like REI and Eddie Bauer, Starbucks coffee, Nordstrom department stores and biotechnology companies like Immunex.

An offshoot of the enormous success of these home-grown businesses is the emergence of uncharacteristically young millionaires and billionaires like Bill Gates and Paul Allen, and an unprecedented wave of philanthropy and civicminded activism that will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the city.