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Seattle Parks and Recreation

Pioneer Square

 
Address: 100 Yesler Way, 98104 (Map It)
Seattle Parks and Recreation Information:
(206) 684-4075 | Contact Us TTY Phone: (206) 233-1509

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Celebrate Downtown/Center City Parks!
This summer Parks offers exciting, fun activities in downtown Seattle.
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Hours | About the Park | History
PARK FEATURES
  • Decorative Fountain
  • Historic Landmark

HOURS

6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

ABOUT THE PARK

Pioneer Square - the heart of old Seattle - is the place to to go experience Seattle's early history. Turn-of-the-century street lamps line the square. A Tlingit totem pole towers up beside a drinking fountain fitted with a bust of Chief Seattle.

(Excerpt from Enjoying Seattle's Parks by Brandt Morgan.)

Acreage: 0.3
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HISTORY

The Pioneer Square neighborhood was the hub of pioneer Seattle. The first industry, Yesler Sawmill, was built in here in 1852.

In 1889 local businessmen returned to Seattle from a trip to Alaska with a Tlingit totem pole and gave the Puget Sound it's first landmark.

The first buildings following the Great Fire of 1899 were built around Pioneer Square and in 1909 an iron pergola was built as a shelter over an underground restroom, known as "the finest underground restroom in the United States". The Pergola and the totem pole still stand, along with a bust of Chief Seattle. This tiny park is at the heart of Seattle's historical district.

(Excerpt from Enjoying Seattle's Parks by Brandt Morgan and the files of Don Sherwood, 1916-1981, Park Historian.)

To learn more about Seattle Parks and Recreation, including historic landmarks, military base reuse, and the Sherwood History Files, view our Park History.
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VOLUNTEER

In our large parks and recreation system, we could not do what we do without you.
» volunteer in a park!









Pioneer Square in 1899. Photograph courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives.
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