Pioneer Square
Originally, the early structures in the Pioneer Square Historic District were mostly wooden, but nearly all burned in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. By the end of 1890, dozens of brick and stone buildings had been erected and to this day, the Victorian/Romanesque architectural character of the neighborhood is derived from these late 19th century buildings.
Most current businesses located in the Pioneer Square Historic District are housed in the original brick building constructed directly after the fire. Some even housing the same kind of businesses as when they were first rebuilt. We here in Seattle get nostalgic when we look at the dates on these old buildings, 1890, 1893, etc. Now we know you people form Europe, Asia, and even our own east coast have socks older than that, but please don't deprive us of our historic moment.
Smith Tower
map!
506 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
www.smithtower.com
Phone 206 622 4004
10am to 9pm Call as they close for special events.
Smith Tower, Seattle's first skyscraper, opened on July 4th, 1914, topping out at 42 stories, the fourth tallest building in the world at that time. It remained the tallest west of Chicago for almost 50 years and is still the best unobstructed view of the waterfront, sports stadiums and the mountains. Ride the hand operated elevators to the 35th floor outside observation deck and the Chinese room; which offers a bird's eye view of Seattle's Historic District.
The Central Saloon
207 First Ave South
Seattle, Wa 98104
Phone 206 622 0209
www.thecentral.com
Map
Ever since The Central Saloon was rebuilt after Seattle’s great fire of 1889, it has been home to the famous and the infamous and it’s illustrious career as a place of note continues to this day.
There were days of being, a café, a post office, an employment office, a card room, and a brothel but always a bar, a saloon—a place where a man could get an honest drink. In more recent years, The Central Saloon has continued to be known for its’ good selection of liquid refreshment and a hearty “pub food” menu.
As far back as the 1920, Seattle was known as a place where musicians were welcome to try out new arrangements or experiment with old numbers. Through the years, The Central has been proud to bring to Seattle the best blues, jazz, rock-n-roll, the grunge sound as well as poetry readings and contests.
When you visit Pioneer Square, check out a place where history happens.
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
map!
608 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
www.undergroundtour.com
Phone 206 682 4646
Learn why Seattleites of yesteryear flushed with the tides. This is a unique walking tour of the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle. You’ll encounter six flights of stairs, uneven terrain and spotty lighting. Dress for the weather and leave your spike heel shoes at home! I never tire of going on or taking visitors on this tour.
Klondike Gold Rush Natl. Historical Park
map!
319 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
Website
Phone 206 553 7220
Admission: Free
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm
Klondike Gold Rush Natl. Historical Park is located in the old Cadillac Hotel in Seattle’s Historic District. That’s right, a National Park indoors. The Cadillac was built in 1889 and was a favorite of the adventurers head for the Gold Fields in Alaska and the Yukon. Experience the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush come to life as you tour 20 interactive exhibits winding through this two story museum.
The Pioneer District covers over twenty city blocks, containing thirty plus fine art galleries, two hundred plus unique and independently owned specialty shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.
Visit an art gallery or two, stop at a rug shop and learn about the workmanship that produces these wonderful items, buy a book to remind you of Seattle, stop and refresh yourself with lunch or dinner and a beverage of your choice while learning about the history of that very building.
On every first Thursday evening of the month, from February — December, take a stroll among the art exhibits at the free "Art In The Park" event. Chat up an artist, they are great folks and would love to discuss their particular style of art with you.
