Lawson Ambrose Nicholson (March 3, 1866 – March 1, 1947) was a Washington State pioneer, engineer, and surveyor. He gained public recognition working on many engineering and municipal tasks during the development of Tacoma, Everett and other cities of northwest. Nicholson was considered a valuable advisor, and often took charge of important city projects, such as the building of the Tacoma Terminal Company and Tacoma Speedway. He helped build the Tacoma Stadium Bowl and the Ruston Tunnel, which later became the "last visible remnant" of the American Smelting and Refining Company.