Seattle is the northernmost major city in the United States and the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and in the state of Washington. Seattle is the major economic, cultural and educational center in the area. The Seattle area has actually been inhabited for at least 4000 years, with white settlement beginning only in the mid-19th century. The early settlements from Europe were called “New York-Alki” and “Duwamps.” Seattle’s current nickname is “Emerald City” which resulted from a contest that was held in 1981. Seattle is also often referred to as the “Gateway to Alaska,” “Rain City,” and “Jet City.”