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Federal Way, Washington

Located between Seattle and Tacoma along I-5, Federal Way takes its name from Federal Highway 99 — the old Pacific Highway. Once a quiet logging area, it boomed in the 1960s-80s with the opening of Weyerhaeuser's headquarters and the SeaTac Mall, becoming one of Washington's largest cities.

Founded 1929 | Population 101,000 | Peak 101,000 (2024) | County King County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Federal Way, Washington

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1929Named: The community was named for Federal Highway 99, the main road connecting Seattle and Tacoma.

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1968Weyerhaeuser HQ: Weyerhaeuser, one of the world's largest timber companies, moved its headquarters to Federal Way.

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1975SeaTac Mall: SeaTac Mall (later The Commons at Federal Way) opened, establishing the city as a retail center.

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1990Incorporated: Federal Way incorporated as a city, becoming the 6th largest in Washington.

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2007Performing Arts Center: The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center enhanced the city's cultural offerings.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1929 Transport

Named

1968 Business

Weyerhaeuser HQ

1975 Business

SeaTac Mall

1990 Government

Incorporated

2007 Culture

Performing Arts Center

Did You Know?

1

Named for Federal Highway 99, not the federal government.

2

Sits midway between Seattle and Tacoma.

3

Weyerhaeuser, one of the world's largest timber companies, was headquartered here.

4

Federal Way is located in King County, Washington.

5

Federal Way was founded in 1929.

Famous People from Federal Way, Washington

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Jaden McDaniels

Basketball Player · Born Sep 29, 2000 · Age 25

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Ariana Kukors

Swimmer · Born Jun 1, 1989 · Age 36

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Kelyn Rowe

Association Football Player · Born Dec 2, 1991 · Age 34

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Sam Kim

Singer, Songwriter · Born Feb 19, 1998 · Age 28

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Michael McGrady

Actor, Television Actor · Born Mar 30, 1960 · Age 65

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