Hitt's Hill Park | Environment

When Thomas Hitt came to Columbia City in 1905, this area looked very much as it does now.

Hitt was an English immigrant and pyrotechnics expert looking for a quiet place to start a fireworks factory.  Located near the rail lines of Columbia City and secluded enough to not bother anyone, Hitt built his home and factory on this very spot.

Hitt's Fire-works company grew famous for their historical "set pieces" depicting famous fires.  His pyrotechnics also got the attention of Hollywood, and the little factory built some of the biggest fires on the big screen.
 
As the area grew more crowded, increasing regulations shut down much of the operations, sending the manufacturing work overseas. The Ivar’s 4th of July celebration fireworks as well as many other local shows were produced by the Hitt's until 1974, soon after that the factory closed.

Over the years, the area grew wild with blackberries and seedy characters. Since the land was acquired by Seattle Parks in 2001, the Hitt's Hill Park has become a hidden gem of the Columbia City neighborhood.

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Music by David Haldeman