Straddling the tuberous shores of Lake Sammamish, Redmond, Washington lies firmly entrenched in the shadows of the burgeoning Seattle Metroplex.
Home to renowned tech giants Microsoft and Nintendo of America, Redmond boasts a population of over 71,000 and has earned its affectionate nickname of "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" due to its prolific cycling culture and captivating festivities. With deep-seated roots dating back to 10,000 years of Native American occupation, Redmond's 160-year history has nurtured an eclectic melting pot that traverses an abundance of backgrounds and histories.
Redmond's Name Origin
Proudly, the city of Redmond took its name from Luke McRedmond who filed a Homestead Act claim for land next to the Sammamish Slough on September 9, 1870. After the first post office was established in 1881, the name of the community was changed to Melrose, derived from the Perrigos’ successful inn, Melrose House. However, After becoming postmaster, McRedmond petitioned to have the name changed back to his own and thus, Redmond was born in 1883.
The Abundance of Natural Creations
The abundance of forests and fish provided jobs for loggers and fishermen, and with those jobs came the demand for goods and services, bringing in merchants. This led to the expansion of the logging industry in 1889 when the Seattle, Lake Shore, and Eastern Railway built a station in the center of town. The first plat for Redmond was filed on May 11, 1891, encompassing much of the area now known as downtown. With a population of 300, Redmond was officially incorporated on December 31, 1912. While Redmond experienced an economic downturn in the 1920s due to Prohibition, the city's resilience has enabled it to maintain its status as an important hub in the Puget Sound region.
Redmond's Growth
In the 1930s, Redmond's primary business shifted to agriculture, feeding its people during the Great Depression. When the U.S. entered World War II, Redmond saw a surge in job opportunities at its shipyard and other wartime work. After the war, Redmond's expansion began in earnest, growing more than thirty-fold in area through annexations between 1951 and 1967. The completion of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge across Lake Washington in 1963 allowed Redmond to become a thriving suburb of Seattle.
In 1978, the U.S. Census Bureau proclaimed Redmond the fastest-growing city in the state, with many technology companies making it their home and an increasing population demanding more retail shops. By the late 1980s, Downtown Redmond had become a bustling hub of commercial activity, leading to the development of Redmond Town Center in 1997, a major regional shopping center on the site of a long-defunct golf course. This commercial boom during the 1990s demonstrated Redmond's remarkable progress and growth.
Despite the rapid expansion, the city is actively working to mitigate its urban sprawl and traffic congestion. Through the expansions of SR-520 and Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, along with the planned light rail service via the East Link Extension from Seattle to Redmond opening in 2023, the city is determined to create a more efficient transportation system for its citizens. Redmond celebrates this progress and growth every year at Redmond Derby Days, a community festival that has been held annually since 1940.
The event features bicycle races, local food offerings, carnival rides, and fireworks. Redmond's commitment to the arts is also on display at the Eastside Symphony, Second Story Repertory Theater Company, and Redmond Performing Arts Center. Additionally, Redmond boasts a collection of outdoor sculptures that rotate through various parks within the city.
Redmond Lights and the City's Poet Laureates
Redmond Lights, an annual community festival held on the first Saturday of December, is a highly anticipated event that brings together local businesses, restaurants, and organizations to celebrate the holiday season. The evening culminates with tree lighting conducted by the mayor on the City Hall Campus and a luminary walk on the Sammamish Trail and Redmond Central Connector with musical and light stations along the way. The evening concludes at the Redmond Town Center, where attractions such as a carousel, skating rink, and food sampling await. Of special note is the Old Redmond Firehouse, a center for local teens that has become a hub in the thriving Eastside music scene, featuring concert-style speakers for local bands to perform.
And, since 2010, the city of Redmond has appointed a Poet Laureate to recognize and celebrate literature and the creative spirit of the community. The inaugural Poet Laureate was Rebecca Meredith (2010-2012), followed by Jeannine Hall Gailey (2012-2013), Michael Dylan Welch (2013-2015), Shin Yu Pai (2015-2017), Melanie Noel (2018-2019), and Raul Sanchez (2019-2021). Redmond is proud to have such esteemed and talented individuals serve in this important role.
Redmond, Washington, United States has a rich and unique history stemming from its roots as a logging community. From an official incorporation to the evolution of being dubbed the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" for its commitment to bicycle pathways and events, Redmond is constantly growing as we have seen through its population increase in recent years. Redmond is a city filled with exciting opportunities with a diverse historical background, making it a prominent destination for travelers both near and far.
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