Celebrating Renton's 125th Birthday

Renton was incorporated 125 years ago, on September 6, 1901, with just under 1,200 residents. In its early years, direct access to Seattle helped establish some of the city’s longest-standing industries, particularly manufacturing. Major employers included Pacific Car & Foundry (later PACCAR) and the Denny-Renton Clay & Coal Company. The Boeing Company also played a pivotal role, drawing workers and families from across the country and around the world.

Today, Renton is home to nearly 110,000 residents, with a rich demographic diversity, beautiful parks and green spaces, a booming local economy, and many opportunities to enjoy culture and art.

During Monday's city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated September 6, 2026, as Renton’s 125th Anniversary as a city. Senior Advisory Board Member and fourth-generation Renton resident Anita Dull accepted the proclamation.

Dull reflected on how her family has been a thread in the fabric of the City of Renton for 117 of the 125 years. Dull shared her family’s deep roots in Renton, including a mayor, a judge, business owners, and three generations of Renton High School graduates. "I love Renton and I am proud to call it home”.

Each wave of newcomers and lifelong residents have contributed to the city’s laws, neighborhoods, businesses, culture, and community. As Renton marks 125 years, the city wants to honor the people who have shaped the Renton that we know and love today.

Renton Celebrates a Birthday in the Park

With the Renton Historical Society, we kicked off our 125th year with a Birthday in the Park at Liberty Park, Renton’s first public park. Over 500 guests joined us and had the opportunity to sign our birthday card, play games, enjoy live music, grab a treat bag, and check out the Renton Historical Society’s new location.

Special thanks to our Parks and Recreation Department and the Renton Historical Society for making our birthday special!

And the fun isn’t over. We will continue to commemorate Renton’s 125th birthday throughout the year. Follow our project page here for ways to be part of the celebration all year long!

Happy 125th Renton! Hear from our staff with a few historical facts since our founding in 1901.

Watch the video.

The City of Renton proudly celebrates its 125th Birthday, marking more than a century of community, growth, and shared history.

As part of this milestone, the Renton Historical Society invited students across the Renton School District to share what Renton means to them. Students across the District demonstrated creativity, pride, and a strong sense of community through their submissions, helping to document and celebrate the spirit of Renton during this historic anniversary year.

Before the June 1 Council meeting, elected officials, students and their families, and members of the Renton Historical Society gathered for a reception to recognize 25 contest winners (from 325 participants). The students were able to hear words of encouragement from former Lindbergh High School student, Jacki (Watson) Delfin, who inspired this contest from her experience of being honored by the City Council for the essay she wrote in third grade to celebrate Renton's 100th birthday.

“Many years ago during the Renton Centennial, I participated in an essay contest about Renton’s history and was recognized at a City Council meeting. That was my very first City Council meeting. So today is a very full circle moment for me. That was the first time I felt like my voice and my ideas mattered, and it helped me feel connected to my community,” said Delfin. She concluded, “today I have the privilege of working for the City of Renton, and it’s inspiring to see young people engaging with the city they call home. The ideas and stories you shared will remind us all of what makes Renton special.”

These 25 students’ submissions demonstrated exceptional creativity, reflection, pride, and a deep appreciation for the city they call home.

• Chrisiya Thornton Jamerson
• Benjamin Longanecker
• Asma Shairzai
• Madeline Kopchick
• Marcelo Garcia
• Nova Williams
• Relena Lam
• Arundhati Krishna
• Caleb Lin
• Amiyah Jolene Talmadge
• Kateriin Jarama Mercado
• Sollilja Haraldsdottir
• Harper Duong
• Grier Hagan
• Vyolet Melin-Knox
• Mae Parga
• Audrey Magee
• Anton Bergquist
• Brianna Bautista
• Eryn Hadley
• Kiera Jones
• Grace Skougland
• William Thai
• Yohaly Barragan-Mazon
• Nina Bui

Renton City Council extends its gratitude to all participating students, educators, and schools for their contributions to this celebration of Renton’s past, present, and future.