Manchester, Washington
About Manchester: Established in the 1860's and was originally known as Brooklyn, after the borough in New York City. The name was changed to Manchester in 1892 in honor of the city of Manchester, England. Manchester was accessible by land via Shelton/Allyn/Belfair, however, the main population center, Seattle, had only boat access. After a permanent dock was built in 1908, regular steamboat service connected Manchester to nearby communities like Colby, Southworth, and Harper, and to Seattle across the water.
From 1925 to 1936, a ferry route across Puget Sound connected Manchester with Alki Point in West Seattle. When the Alki Point dock washed away in 1936, the Seattle terminus was shifted to Colman Dock on the Seattle central waterfront. Ferry service was discontinued in 1949 and has never resumed.
In 1940, the US Navy built a pier nearby for refueling ships. The fuel pier saw heavy use during World War II, and still operates today.
In 1953, the library in Manchester was slated for destruction. The town pulled together and a new library was constructed in 1954. This spirit dominates Manchester today. Today, Manchester is known for its excellent views of Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and Puget Sound, its public boat launch, community events like fireworks on the Fourth of July, Mother's Day, and New Year Day, a boat parade on the opening day of boating season, salmon bakes at the Manchester library, and more,
From 1925 to 1936, a ferry route across Puget Sound connected Manchester with Alki Point in West Seattle. When the Alki Point dock washed away in 1936, the Seattle terminus was shifted to Colman Dock on the Seattle central waterfront. Ferry service was discontinued in 1949 and has never resumed.
In 1940, the US Navy built a pier nearby for refueling ships. The fuel pier saw heavy use during World War II, and still operates today.
In 1953, the library in Manchester was slated for destruction. The town pulled together and a new library was constructed in 1954. This spirit dominates Manchester today. Today, Manchester is known for its excellent views of Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and Puget Sound, its public boat launch, community events like fireworks on the Fourth of July, Mother's Day, and New Year Day, a boat parade on the opening day of boating season, salmon bakes at the Manchester library, and more,