Virtual History Tour: A Guide to Seattle’s History and Some of Our Favorite Historical Landmarks Today

When we think of Seattle’s most common attractions and landmarks, a few take little thought before coming to mind: the first Starbucks, the iconic Seattle Space Needle, and of course, the Pike Place Market. Today we are diving head-first into the history of not only these favorite historical Seattle landmarks but some of the additional rich histories our community embodies.

Before we take a look at some of the more recognizable historical landmarks throughout our city, we first must acknowledge and honor the land that Seattle was built upon. When white settlers came to the area in 1851, they arrived on Indigenous land. Our city is the traditional territory of Coast Salish peoples. More specifically, the land upon which Seattle was built is home to the Suquamish and Duwamish Tribes (source). According to the Seattle Municipal Archives, the name “Seattle” is in honor of the Duwamish Indian leader, Sealth. 

Since then, Seattle has experienced tremendous growth, quite literally spanning 83.9 square miles (source). With a population of nearly 3.5 million people, a number of reasons make Seattle one of the fastest-growing major U.S cities (source). For those who are new to the area or looking to adventure around your new stomping grounds, here are a few of the historical landmarks that draw visitors from around the world and make Seattle what it is today. 

L.C. Smith Building

Built in 1914 and standing forty-two stories tall, the Smith building is Seattle’s first skyscraper, and for decades was known as the “tallest building in the American West” according to the Seattle Municipal Archives. Today visitors can ride the historic, manually operated elevators in the building all the way up to a 360-degree observatory on the 35th floor (source).

Seattle Space Needle

What infamously started as a doodle on a napkin is now a staple of the Seattle skyline. The Space Needle was inspired by Edward E. Carlson in 1959 while traveling in Germany, and today is an iconic piece of Seattle’s history where guests can admire breathtaking views of the city from 605 feet above the ground. Did we mention it is “one of the most photographed structures in the world”? So don’t forget to grab your camera when you visit this treasured landmark.

Pike Place Market

Now more than ever, communities are making grand efforts to support local businesses. Here in Seattle, our community has sought out local produce, high-quality goods and hand-crafted products since the early 1900s when the Pike Place Market first opened. The market has remained a vibrant hub for vendors and the community in the heart of downtown Seattle ever since. Take a look inside, here. 

The First Starbucks

Nestled along the street of the Pike Place Market is the home of the very first Starbucks. With a line typically trailing all the way down the street, this Seattle landmark is hard to miss! Known as the “1912 Starbucks”, the home of the iconic coffee chain is perched in a small 1,000 square-foot shop, proudly displaying the original Starbucks logo and sign for visitors to snap a photo of. Although the space is small, it is a lively experience with a fast-moving team of baristas keeping the historical spirit alive.

Pioneer Square 

With a history dating back to the 1800s, Seattle’s Pioneer Square was shaped by a mix of cultures and ethnic groups. After the Great Seattle Fire destroyed much of downtown Seattle in the summer of 1889, the city rebuilt with hundreds of buildings made from stone and brick. Fast forward to the 1970s and Pioneer Square became Seattle’s first Historic District! Most notably, the Pioneer Building is a common tourist attraction along with the underground areaways that can now be toured. You can schedule your underground tour, here.

These historical Seattle landmarks are only a scratch on the surface of all that our amazing city has to explore. The next time you’re looking for an adventure, consider visiting one of these famous landmarks and sharing your experience with us on Facebook or Instagram! And if you liked this blog, read more like it, here. We’ll see you next time!