Welcome to the vibrant, dynamic, and captivating city of Seattle! Nestled in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest region of North America, Seattle is the largest city in the vibrant state of Washington, and the 18th-most populous city in the United States, boasting a bustling population of over 780,000 residents in 2024. The greater Seattle metropolitan area, home to over 4.15 million people, ranks as the 15th-most populous in the nation. Situated on an isthmus between the shimmering waters of Puget Sound, an inlet of the expansive Pacific Ocean, and the tranquil Lake Washington, Seattle proudly claims the title of the northernmost major city in the USA, roughly 100 miles south of the Canadian border. As a strategic gateway for trade with East Asia, the Port of Seattle ranks as the fourth-largest port in North America in terms of container handling, reflecting Seattle’s global connections and economic prowess. Long before the arrival of European settlers, the Seattle area was home to diverse Native American communities, such as the Duwamish tribe, who thrived around Elliot Bay for at least 4,000 years. In 1851, Arthur A. Denny and his group, later known as the Denny Party, set foot on Seattle's shores at Alki Point. The settlement was later moved to the eastern shore of Elliott Bay and named "Seattle" in honor of Chief Seattle, a charismatic and influential 19th-century leader of local Native American tribes. Today, Seattle cherishes its rich Native American heritage, while embracing an eclectic mix of American, Asian, African, European, and Scandinavian cultures. Seattle is also known for its progressive and inclusive atmosphere, with a strong LGBTQ+ community, as evidenced by its fifth-highest percentage of residents identifying as LGBT in the U.S., as of 2015. Logging may have been Seattle's initial major industry, but the city quickly transformed into a commercial and shipbuilding hub during the late 19th century, serving as a critical gateway to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush. Post World War II, Seattle experienced rapid growth due to local heavyweight Boeing, which solidified Seattle's role as a manufacturing center for aircraft. The city's tech revolution began in the 1980s, with Microsoft setting its roots in the region. Alaska Airlines calls Seattle–Tacoma International Airport home, and the region has since attracted a stream of innovative software, biotechnology, and Internet companies, triggering an economic resurgence that added almost 50,000 residents to the city between 1990 and 2000. Seattle's cultural landscape is rich and diverse, with music playing a significant role in shaping the city's identity. Between 1918 and 1951, Seattle was home to nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs along Jackson Street, nurturing the early careers of local musicians such as Ernestine Anderson, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and many more. In the late 20th and early 21st century, Seattle gave birth to a multitude of rock artists, including Foo Fighters, Heart, and the iconic Jimi Hendrix. The city is also the birthplace of the grunge movement and its pioneering bands, such as Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and others. Seattle extends a warm welcome to all who visit, offering a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving, forward-thinking spirit. So, come and experience Seattle—where the mountains meet the sea, and opportunity awaits!