Although Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, have comparable early histories, similar economic bases, and parallel demographic profiles, their responses to the rise of a global economy in the 20th century differ. Both were regional capitals in the first half of the century. Since then, however, Portland has kept its traditional role and has gained ground as a regional capital, while Seattle has become a network city transferring goods, services, and ideas reaching beyond the Pacific Northwest. [Western History Association best article award for 1993]