Renton Hill, Seattle facts for kids
Renton Hill was once a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, in the United States. It was located around 18th Avenue and Madison Street. This area included the southern part of what is now Capitol Hill, plus a large section south of Madison Street. The neighborhood was named after Captain William Renton, a lumberman and merchant who lived from 1818 to 1891. Before being called Renton Hill, the area was known as Second Hill.
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What Was Renton Hill?
Renton Hill was a historic part of Seattle. It was not just a place on a map. It was a community where people lived and worked. The neighborhood's location was important. It was close to downtown Seattle. This made it a busy and growing area in the early 1900s.
Why Was It Called Renton Hill?
The name Renton Hill came from a man named William Renton. He was an important person in Seattle's early days. Captain Renton was involved in the lumber business. He also worked as a merchant. Naming places after important people was common back then. It was a way to honor their contributions to the city.
Community Life in Renton Hill
People in Renton Hill wanted their neighborhood to be a great place. They formed a group called the Renton Hill Community Improvement Club. This club started in 1901. It was the very first community club in Seattle.
Improving the Neighborhood
The club worked hard to make Renton Hill better. They focused on many public improvements. This included getting clean water for homes. They also worked on building sidewalks. Good lighting for streets was another goal. The club even helped make the neighborhood more beautiful.
Changes in the Community Club
Over time, the community changed. In 1929, the Renton Hill Community Improvement Club joined with another group. This was the Capitol Hill Community Club. Together, they made a new rule. This rule meant that certain groups of people were not allowed to join. This happened because the area was changing. More African American and Asian families were moving nearby. The city's downtown area was also growing closer.
Where Did Renton Hill Go?
Today, you won't hear people in Seattle use the name Renton Hill much. The name has mostly disappeared. One reason might be to avoid confusion. There is another neighborhood called Renton Hill in the nearby city of Renton, Washington.
Modern Day Renton Hill Areas
The northern part of old Renton Hill is now part of Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill is a well-known neighborhood in Seattle today. The southern part of Renton Hill has a new name too. It is now commonly called Cherry Hill. So, while the name Renton Hill is gone, the land and its history live on in these new neighborhoods.
