Dunlap

In 1869, a lone covered wagon crested Beacon Hill. Inside sat Joseph Dunlap, his wife Catherine, and their children. They had journeyed all the way from Iowa, seeking a new life in the untamed Pacific Northwest. Young George Dunlap climbed a tree at his father’s behest. He described a breathtaking vista of a verdant valley and a shimmering lake. That valley, nestled just north of present-day Rainier Beach, would become their home. And it would eventually bear their name: Dunlap. The Dunlap family became the first homesteaders in this area. They established a farm and a waystation for other weary travelers. Their log cabin, a beacon of hospitality, eventually grew into a two-story frame house. Located near the intersection of present-day South Henderson Street and 50th Avenue S, it became a hub for the growing community. Joseph Dunlap wasn’t just a farmer. He was also a shrewd real estate developer. He played a key role in shaping the development of the Rainier Beach area. Streets like Fontanelle (named after their Iowa hometown), Henderson (Catherine’s maiden name), and Pearl (honoring daughters of later generations) stand as testaments to their lasting legacy. The Dunlaps’ impact extended beyond their immediate family. Their homestead even played a role in the development of Dunlap Elementary School. The original Dunlap School, a modest one-room structure, opened in the late 19th century. The Dunlap family generously donated land for a new, larger school in 1904. This new school, located near their homestead, became a cornerstone of the community. The Dunlap neighborhood of today still retains echoes of its pioneering past. Though the original homestead is gone, the spirit of Joseph and Catherine Dunlap lives on. Their journey from Iowa, their vision for a new life, and their generosity shaped this small corner of Seattle.