Junius Rochester, whose family has shaped the city for many generations, is an award-winning Northwest historian and author of numerous books about Seattle and other places.
Ledyard's knowledge and excitement about the lands west of the Rockies may have helped Jefferson later plan and implement the Lewis & Clark expedition.
In the 1890 Seattle City Directory this area was called "Madison Street Pavilion," although the 21 acres McGilvra set aside for public use were popularly referred to as "Madison Park."
Many local prose writers flourish in the Northwest, as do historians and newspaper scribes. But the Pacific Northwest also has a solid tradition of poets and their publications, starting with the pioneers.
One of the most popular teachers on campus because of his "Socratic" classroom method, Vernon Parrington quietly pursued his research, tended his garden, raised two daughters and a son with his wife Julia, and wrote prodigiously.
Following Bering's discovery of sea-otter riches, an almost endless train of adventurers and brigands struck out from Asia for North America with wild dreams of staggering wealth.
Locally, the debate over Smith's book became so acrimonious (shades of today's attack on "woke" academies) that several state legislators in 1915 introduced an amendment to a University Appropriations Bill abolishing Smith's department.
Upon entering the University of Washington Anderson's natural speed and athletic ability impressed the famous track and field coach Clarence S. "Hec" Edmondson.Â
Allegedly based on several characters from his hometown of Weston, Oregon -- the fictional town in Oregon Detour was called "Creston" -- the book caused something of a scandal in Oregon.