As white settlers made Seattle their home, they transformed its landscape and culture at an astounding pace, leading to constant transformation and renewal.
Discover some of the most historic places in Seattle on this tour, which will allow you to learn about its storied past.
Smith Tower
Smith Tower was once the tallest building west of Mississippi when it was constructed, but now stands as an iconic Seattle landmark and offers breathtaking views, aged liquors and delectable cocktails for visitors to enjoy.
Smith Tower was constructed as a symbol of Seattle’s booster spirit and metropolitan aspirations when it opened in 1914, serving as the tallest building in the American West and signaling Seattle’s growing prosperity. However, over time it has endured more misinformation on both popular and scholarly levels than almost any other skyscraper.
Virginia V
At one time, Puget Sound’s premier public transit system was the Mosquito Fleet of steamships, which provided people and produce to surrounding towns via steamship. Now, the Virginia V Foundation aims to restore one of these classic vessels.
Connie Lord recalls riding aboard the Virginia V as a Camp Fire girl to reach Camp Sealth on Vashon Island and was a regular passenger until World War II came and caused its operation to stop.
Arthur Foss Tugboat
Built in 1889 (the same year Washington became a state), the Arthur Foss Tugboat has amassed an impressive history since her creation as part of Washington State. From towing sailing ships across Columbia River bars and transporting gold during Alaska’s Klondike Gold Rush, to appearing in 1933’s Tugboat Annie film and serving for Navy service in World War II before eventually ending up at Northwest Seaport as a museum ship, she has seen it all!
At the Seattle maritime heritage museum, you can visit this historic tugboat. While you’re there, Bill Spediel’s Underground Tour will give an incredible glimpse into what life was like below street level in Seattle prior to fire destroying 31 blocks of wooden structures.
Deception Pass Bridge
Before 1935, travelers needed to cross between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island by boat. But as farmers expanded operations on both islands, the idea for a bridge gained steam as new deal agencies like Federal Emergency Relief Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps provided funding.
Deception Pass Bridge was officially dedicated on July 31, 1935 with Pearl Wanamaker as its patron. This strait separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island while linking Skagit Bay in Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Seattle emerged triumphant from a devastating fire and nationwide economic depression to become the primary hub for Alaska’s Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1899, as this national park celebrates this journey to Alaska’s Yukon Territory.
The Seattle Unit (with branches also in Skagway and Dyea Townsite in Canada) features the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Depot with films, exhibits, talks, tours of the railroad as well as a visitor center that houses films.
Burke Museum
The Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture serves as Washington state museum. Established by a group of teenagers in 1879, this institution stands as one of Washington’s oldest institutions.
Large areas of glazing maximize transparency and expose the interior experience directly to the street, connecting the museum to its campus, landscape and city contexts. The design breaks down traditional museum barriers to integrate research labs with traditional galleries.
Denny Hall
Denny Hall was designed in the French Renaissance style by Charles Willard Saunders to win a design competition, opening as the Administration Building before being renamed in 1910 after Arthur Denny donated most of the land that made up its initial campus.
Brewster Denny, great-grandson of Arthur Denny, has continued the family tradition by ringing the bell at UW Homecoming pep rallies since 1961 when celebrating its centennial.
Carnegie Library
Before its present Neoclassical building was constructed from Tenino sandstone, the Seattle Public Library resided in various secondhand spaces – such as between 1896-1899 at Yesler Mansion.
As soon as the Carnegie library opened in 1904, its library wasn’t well stocked with books – so its first librarian sent out a wagon around Ballard to collect donations of books from residents.
Old Rainier Brewery Building
Rainier Beer was an influential force during the early 1900s when this plant was constructed. Following national Prohibition’s onset, however, Rainier continued production of soft drinks and near-beer until acquired by Pabst Brewing Company in 1999.
This factory has been completely transformed, now offering office spaces, live/work lofts and event venues – not to mention being home to an active community of local businesses and artists. Sabey Corporation will begin demolishing an annex on Saturday so as to allow its architecture to take center stage.
