Picture Medina’s waterfront. Imagine the tranquil waters of Lake Washington lapping gently against its shores. This is Medina a city nestled on a peninsula. It boasts stunning views of Seattle across the lake. Medina isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a place steeped in history. Its story begins long ago.
In the 1870s timber was cleared from the area. Thomas Dabney arrived in 1886. He became Medina’s first permanent white settler. He built a ferry dock in 1890 calling it Dabney’s Landing. The land around it became berry farms and fruit orchards. More settlers arrived. Dabney initially named the area Flordeline. A group of women however proposed the name Medina in 1891. After some debate and sign-switching Medina won. The name was chosen because it evoked a sense of peace and prosperity.
Medina was officially platted in 1914. It was incorporated on August 19 1955. Wealthy Seattle businessmen built mansions in the 1920s. Direct ferry service boosted the area. Medina became known as Washington’s “Gold Coast”. Unfortunately many Japanese farmers were evicted during the 1940s internment. Their farms were then redeveloped.
Medina is known for its strict tree code. It’s been a Tree City USA since 2006. The city has always valued its trees. Its extensive tree code protects large trees and requires mitigation if they are removed.
Today Medina is home to many billionaires and tech executives. Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos live there. This exclusive community prioritizes privacy. In 2009 Medina installed cameras at intersections. These cameras capture license plates of every car entering the city. The system notifies police if a plate is flagged in a database. Signs warn visitors that they are entering a 24-hour video surveillance area. The city maintains that crime prevention outweighs privacy concerns.
So here you stand in Medina. You are surrounded by beautiful homes. You can sense the quiet elegance of this wealthy lakeside community. Remember Medina’s story. It’s a blend of natural beauty exclusive living and a fascinating history. Enjoy the rest of your tour.