J.F. Haines, the Northern Pacific RR’s official photographer, visited Seattle in 1890 and recorded this look north up Front Street from Yesler Way. The Starr-Boyd building is nearing completion on the left. The Pioneer Building, which was in its planning even before the fire, is still only at its foundation level. Note the rubble still on the site of the former Yesler-Learly Building, left of center. This may have something to do with the protracted struggle between the city and Henry Yesler over how much he should be paid for that triangular piece of real estate. (Courtesy Tacoma Public Library)