Jennifer Ott – författare

How one canal reshaped Seattle’s history, economy, and environmentSeattle’s waterways are central to the city’s identity, and none more so than the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks. Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal: A History and Guide offers an accessible introduction to this engineering marvel and its ongoing significance. Adapted from the acclaimed Waterway, this portable edition distills decades of history into an engaging format ideal for both residents and visitors.David B. Williams and Jennifer Ott chart the vision that drove the canal’s creation and the dramatic changes it brought to the city’s economy, neighborhoods, and natural environment. Along the way, they highlight the political struggles, industrial ambitions, and ecological consequences that shaped one of Seattle’s defining projects.Enhanced with a map of the locks and another featuring key sites along the ship canal, this edition doubles as both a history and a practical guide. It illuminates how the locks, once designed for commercial shipping, have evolved into one of Seattle’s most popular destinations, where recreational boats, salmon ladders, and historic structures draw crowds year-round.Clear, informative, and visually rich, Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal is both a primer on the city’s past and a companion for exploring part of its present-day waterfront.A Michael J. Repass Book

The powerful story of a place shaped by trade, conflict, and continuous transformationFrom canoes on the beach at Dzidzilalich to steamships and piers, Seattle's waterfront was the center of the city's economy and culture for generations. Its tumultuous history reflects a broader story of immigration, labor battles, and technological change. The 2001 Nisqually Earthquake brought fresh urgency and opportunity to remake this contested space, sparking intense debates over history preservation, the environment, and Indigenous connections long ignored.Today, the revitalized Waterfront Park offers a new chapter in this ongoing story. The removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the reconstruction of the seawall have redefined how the city interacts with its shoreline. With its blend of historic structures and forward-looking public spaces, the waterfront will continue to shape Seattle's identity. Street signs now mark Dzidzilalich, acknowledging the presence of Coast Salish peoples, while restored piers recall the area's industrious past.Jennifer Ott details the waterfront's history, from its deep past to its complex present. Her book reveals how battles over control, identity, and space have forged one of the city's most iconic places, with a history that mirrors Seattle itself—rich, diverse, and constantly evolving.