Seattle's history began with the arrival of Native American tribes, such as the Duwamish and Suquamish, who thrived in the region for thousands of years. European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, with Arthur A. Denny and his group founding the city in 1851. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 and the subsequent Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s spurred rapid growth and development. In the 20th century, Seattle became a major port city, contributing to its economic expansion. The Seattle World's Fair in 1962 showcased the city’s innovation, introducing the iconic Space Needle. Today, Seattle is known for its technology sector, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft shaping its modern identity.