PACCAR, the war, and Bellevue | Heritage Corner

During World War II, PACCAR manufactured products needed by the military. William Pigott began the Seattle Car Company in 1905, making railcars to transport logs. By 1917, it had become Pacific Car and Foundry Company (PACCAR), with an order for 2,000 boxcars.

May 18, 2012 4:00 pm
PACCAR Tank Assembly Line
PACCAR Tank Assembly Line

During World War II, PACCAR manufactured products needed by the military. William Pigott began the Seattle Car Company in 1905, making railcars to transport logs. By 1917, it had become Pacific Car and Foundry Company (PACCAR), with an order for 2,000 boxcars.

During World War II, the company also produced more than 900 Sherman tanks. PACCAR moved to Bellevue in 1973, and today it is known for Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.

This article is an excerpt from Lake Washington: The East Side, distributed by Arcadia Publishing.

 

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