Pioneer Square
Jun 20, 2008, 10:35 AM | Updated: Mar 27, 2011, 10:24 am
Seattle’s first neighborhood is just south of downtown between the International District and the waterfront. The 20 blocks that make up Pioneer Square are perfect for exploring, taking a guided tour, or riding in a horse drawn buggy.
Pioneer Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and besides a short stint at Alki Point, most consider Pioneer Square the birthplace of Seattle.
Visit Pioneer Square Park to see the Pergola, built in 1905 to shelter people waiting for the Yesler cable car, and the Tlingit totem pole, built in 1890. The Occidental Pedestrian Walk between S. Main and Jackson streets feature several art galleries… there are about two dozen in Pioneer Square. An alternative mode of transportation throught the area is the George Benson Waterfront Streetcar, which travels from the International District through Pioneer Square up to Myrtle Edwards Park on the waterfront.
Pioneer Square also boasts a thriving nightlife with several themed and authentic bars. There are also dozens of restaurants featuring everything from Indian and barbeque to Italian and Asian.
Smith Tower is just a short walk away. The building opened in 1914 and was the tallest in the world, outside of New York City, at 522 feet high and 42 stories.
In 1889, the Great Seattle Fire destroyed most of Pioneer Square, but a booming economy helped businesses quickly rebuild. Because of drainage issues, the new buildings went up over the top of the old. Some of the remnants can still be seen on the Seattle Underground Tour.
