Tacoma, Washington

Geography

Tacoma is located in the U.S. state of Washington, in the county of Pierce. It is situated on the banks of Puget Sound, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean. The city is approximately 32 miles southwest of Seattle and 31 miles northeast of the state capital, Olympia. Tacoma's geographical coordinates are 47.2529° N, 122.4443° W.

History

Tacoma's history dates back to the mid-19th century when it was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Puyallup. The city was incorporated in 1875 and was named after the nearby Mount Rainier, originally called Tahoma by the local tribes.

Economy

Tacoma has a diverse economy with significant sectors in healthcare, education, and the port industry. The city is home to several major employers, including MultiCare Health System, the University of Washington Tacoma, and the Port of Tacoma.

Culture

Tacoma is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and music venues. The city is home to the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts.

Education

The city's public schools are operated by the Tacoma Public Schools district. Higher education institutions in Tacoma include the University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma Community College, and Pacific Lutheran University.

Transportation

Tacoma is served by several major highways, including Interstate 5 and State Route 16. Public transportation is provided by Pierce Transit, and the city also has a light rail system, the Tacoma Link.