Jake's World: Visit Seattle's Gritty Realm Near King Street Station

This article focuses on the area surrounding King Street Station and Union Station in Seattle, Washington. It describes the gritty neighborhood as Downtown Railroad Space, a phenomenon found thoughout the United States. No longer requiring the presence of passenger trains or actual stations, Downtown Railroad Space remains persistent, a reminder of the time in the U.S. when passenger travel to almost anywhere involved at least one segment of rail transportation. Downtown Railroad Space is not just limited to large cities; it is present in smaller areas, even in tiny towns. The author relates that by the mid 1950s, Seattle railroad passenger operations were in a steady state of decline, but freight traffic remained relatively strong. Amtrak service saw a revival when it began to serve the Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia corridor, as well as Sound Transit's commuter service from Everett and Tacoma. The author concludes by noting that Downtown Railroad Space will remain a part of U.S. history, serving as living link to the railroad past.