As Seattle grew in the mid-1800s, the increase in families settling in the area created a need for churches. Seattle First Church was established in 1853 and by 1901 Seattle had 112 churches; today, there are less than 20 of these churches still in existence. Seattle's Historic Houses of Worship explores many of these churches, examining how they have survived over 100 years, while still going strong today. Churches have guided the Seattle community through the great Seattle fire, world wars, internment camps, the assassination of a president, and the protests of the civil rights era.