St. James Cathedral

History: Bishop Edward O'Dea purchased the site in 1903; cornerstone laid November 12, 1905 before more than 5,000 people. The Diocese of Nisqually was renamed the Diocese of Seattle on September 11, 1907, and the cathedral was dedicated December 22, 1907. On February 2, 1916, the original 60-foot dome collapsed under heavy snow and was never rebuilt. The cathedral reopened March 18, 1917 with a dramatically altered interior. Major renovations over the decades have preserved this landmark as one of Seattle's most significant architectural and cultural institutions.