According to local legend, and despite the saying, Seattle was not actually "built on the backs of seamstresses." Supposedly it was actually built on the backs of prostitutes, many of whom declared themselves to be seamstresses for tax purposes, and who charged $5 for an "all-night alteration." Even though Tacoma was the more logical place for a metropolitan area, being at the junction point of two major railroads, it was in a dry county, so people would make the hike up to Seattle for booze and bosoms. I guess some of them decided to stay, and a metropolis was born!