Redmond has come a long way since its early days as a settlement for workers in the logging and agricultural industries. Today, the city is recognized as world leader in technology and innovation. Safe neighborhoods, good schools, a healthy economic base, and high quality of life make Redmond an ideal place to put down roots.
Below are some enriching facts about our wonderful city, including a list of famous people who have lived in Redmond, movies that have been filmed locally, and trivia.
Who was Redmond’s most famous artist?
Legendary woodcarver and sculptor Dudley Carter lived and worked for many years out of his Haida-style carving studio and longhouse on land by the Bellevue-Redmond Road that later became part of the Microsoft campus. In his later years, he lived and worked as a King County Artist-in-Residence on property next to the Sammamish River at the Leary Way bridge, where some of his larger works can still be seen along the RiverWalk.
What’s the smallest city park in Redmond and where is it located?
Flagpole Plaza, at .11 acres, is Redmond's smallest park and is located in the center of what old-timers call the Town Square; the triangle where 164th Avenue NE meets Redmond Way.
Which Redmond citizen became world-famous and why?
In 1963, Jim Whittaker became the first American to climb Mt. Everest. He was given a tickertape parade down Redmond Way and was designated honorary Mayor of Redmond.
What popular TV series of the early 90s was filmed in Redmond?
Northern Exposure was filmed at the soundstage formerly located near a business park in southeast Redmond.
How did Redmond get its name?
Redmond got its name from early settler Luke McRedmond, who filed a homestead claim for land next to the Sammamish River on Sept. 9, 1870, and settled here with his family.
Who is the mayor of Redmond, Washington?
John Marchione is Redmond's 10th mayor. He started his first term as mayor on January 1, 2008 after previously serving on Redmond's city council for a full 4-year term and was re-elected in 2011, and again in 2015.
Who is the largest employer in Redmond, Washington?
The largest employer in the city by far is Microsoft Corporation, which moved its headquarters to Redmond in 1986. Currently Microsoft has over 40,000 full-time workers and more than 8 million square feet (750,000 square meters) of office space.
