Discover Renton's History
Learn about Renton's origin story by browsing snapshots of significant historical events.
2010 - Present
The Renton of Today
In the past two decades, Renton has experienced significant growth in population, business development, and infrastructure. Renton has promoted sustainability and focused on energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and environmental protection. In 2020, along with the rest of the world, Renton felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic such as economic distress, disruption of educational services, business closures and a shift to remote work. While hardships related to COVID, rapid growth in population, transportation, and housing affordability persist, Renton has positioned itself as an increasingly important center for commerce, culture, and community life. The city's diverse population, emphasis on the environment and sustainability in building and development of public services and transportation continue to shape Renton’s future as an enlightened and vibrant city.
2000 - 2010
100 Year Anniversary
In 2001, Renton celebrated its 100 year anniversary. The 2000s were a decade of transformation for Renton. The city transitioned from a primarily industrial town with a reliance on Boeing to a growing suburb with diverse industries and residential areas. By improving housing, transportation, and enhancing the quality of life of its residents, Renton became a welcoming city to people from all races and nationalities. Renton School district students spoke 87 different languages and underrepresented populations outnumbered the formerly mostly caucasian East side of Lake Washington. Renton has worked diligently to shape its future as a modern city while nurturing its small-town roots.
1990 - 2000
Considerable Growth
Renton experienced considerable growth in the 1990s. Boeing’s aircraft manufacturing plant in Renton continued to play a major role in the city’s economy due to the production of its 737 aircraft which contributed significantly to Renton’s economy during the decade. The city became home to several other businesses, including technology and retail, such as Wizards of the Coast. Renton's population grew by over 40% during this time, reaching around 50,000 by the end of the decade. In 2000, the Renton Landing was first discussed. Its purpose would be to transform Renton's waterfront area into a retail, dining, and entertainment area.
1980 - 1990
A City in Transition
Renton in the 1980s was a city in transition, shifting from a smaller, industrial town to a larger, suburban community with growing commercial and residential sectors. The Gene Coulon Beach Park was established in 1982. Renton began to develop a stronger sense of community identity and local engagement. The city hosted various cultural events, and the growing population led to the creation of more local organizations and civic institutions that fostered community spirit. In the 1980s an archaeological excavation on the site of a Duwamish Longhouse was conducted.
1979
Renton's First Woman Mayor
Renton elects its first woman mayor, Barbara Shinpoch.
1976
Renton's Diamond Jubilee
Renton celebrates its Diamond Jubilee and the Renton Municipal Pool was renamed to honor Henry Moses, dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish) leader and a lifetime resident of Renton.
1962
Space Needle Steel
The Space Needle. Renton contributed the steel for the iconic structure. The donation of steel for the Space Needle is a testament to the city’s industrial heritage and the collaborative efforts of its businesses to support regional progress.
1950 - 1960
Growth & Economic Shift
Renton’s economy shifts from coal and timber to aerospace, with Boeing leading the way. The city experiences significant suburban growth as workers move to the area for jobs at the Boeing facility.
1941
The Boeing Company
The Boeing Company builds its Renton site. This site was vital to aviation history as it produced the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress during World War II. It was also the home of the Boeing 367-80, the 707, the 727, the 737 and the 757.
1940s
World War II
During WWII, Renton became a thriving industrial center. Pacific Car and Foundry began producing the Sherman Tank in its Renton Plant. Renton experienced a population explosion when it more than doubled during the war. The demand for labor was so high during the war that Boeing hired workers from all over the country, including many women and underrepresented populations who had previously been excluded from certain industries. This was a turning point in terms of labor diversity in Renton.
Also, Renton, like much of the Pacific Northwest, also saw the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Several Japanese families who had been part of Renton’s community were forced into internment camps, a tragic chapter in U.S. history that deeply affected the Japanese American population in the region.
1920 - 1930
Rapid Growth & Racial Tension
Renton is the home to many new companies including an ice plant, a macaroni factory and a bottle factory. With the city and industry growing rapidly, many people took up residence. Renton, like many parts of the United States, was a site of racial and ethnic tension. The Ku Klux Klan saw a resurgence during the 1920s in the Pacific Northwest including its first state convention meeting at Renton Junction. Renton also attracted workers from Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Asia. Discriminatory practices against immigrant laborers and their families were widespread.
1911
Cedar River Flood
The Cedar River Flood of 1911 caused significant damage in Renton, displacing residents and affecting the local economy. The next 10 years were spent tackling flood control issues including the lowering of Lake Washington.
1907
PACCAR Moves to Renton
Pacific Car and Foundry Company (PACCAR) moved its location from Seattle to Renton. Initially, the company produced railroad cars, including boxcars and freight cars, and other heavy industrial equipment.
1901
Renton Incorporated as a City
Renton is incorporated as a city on May 2, 1901.
1900 - 1910
Logging Industry Thrives
Logging and sawmills become increasingly important to Renton’s economy as the nearby forests are exploited for timber.
1875
City of Renton Platted
Erasmus Smithers platted the city of Renton and started to sell parcels of his land.
1870
Railroads Established
The Seattle & Walla Walla Railroad established a station in Renton. The Renton Clay Works (Later the Denny-Renton Clay and Coal Company and the Denny-Renton Brick Plant) was established, taking advantage of the area's rich deposits of clay, which were ideal for brick-making. Clay pits and quarries were located around Renton, and the proximity to natural resources helped the clay works thrive. Renton was then known as the Paving Brick Capital of the World.
1900
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1940
1960
1980
2000
Today
1853
Colonial Settlers Arrive
Henry and Diana Tobin were among the first settlers in the area, claiming 320 acres along the Black River. After Henry’s passing, Diana married Erasmus Smithers, a neighboring landowner. Together, they established a successful dairy farm on their combined land. Around the same time, Scottish immigrant William Renton opened a coal mine nearby, marking the beginning of the town’s industrial development. Over time, the growing settlement adopted his name, becoming the city of Renton we know today.
BEFORE 1853
First Peoples - The Duwamish Tribe
Before the European settlers arrived in Washington, The Coast Salish peoples inhabited the Pacific Northwest since time immemorial. Specifically, the dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish) are the indigenous tribe who inhabited the Renton area. Known as The People of the Inside, the dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish) lived along the Cedar River, Black River, Duwamish River, as well as Elliott Bay.
Before 1853