Alki Beach has long been a popular recreation spot in the Puget Sound region. Originally a favorite campsite for Native Americans of the Duwamish tribe, it became known as the birthplace of Seattle when the Denny Party landed there in 1851. They called this settlement "New York Alki," from a Chinook word meaning, roughly, "by and by" or "someday." The "New York" was eventually dropped, but the name "Alki" remains. Upon installation of ferry service in 1888 it became a popular Sunday outing for Seattleites. By 1902, the beach was so popular that it became the destination for a new electric street railway line from Seattle.