Seattle Underground: Seattle WA
DARK CORNERS
Seattle Washington: USA
“Dark Corners” is a collection of articles that sheds light on the hidden gems in various cities around the world. From bustling metropolises to quaint towns, this series uncovers the offbeat and lesser-known places that are worth exploring. With insider tips and expert recommendations, “Dark Corners” takes you on a journey through the secret alleys, tucked-away restaurants, and hidden attractions that are often missed by the average tourist. Discover the magic of these overlooked corners and unlock the true essence of these cities. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, “Dark Corners” is the ultimate guide to uncovering the world’s best-kept secrets.
Seattle Underground
Seattle Underground: Seattle WA
Seattle, Washington is known for its thriving music scene, innovative technology industry, and breathtaking natural beauty. But there is a fascinating and lesser-known aspect of Seattle’s history that lies beneath the city’s bustling streets: the Seattle Underground.
The Seattle Underground refers to a series of tunnels and passageways that were once the main thoroughfares of the city’s downtown area. In the late 1800s, Seattle was a booming city that was rapidly growing in population and industry. However, it was built on tidal flats that were prone to flooding, which made it difficult to build sturdy and long-lasting infrastructure.
To combat this issue, city officials decided to raise the streets by several feet, essentially building a new layer of the city on top of the old one. However, many of the buildings in the downtown area were not properly constructed for this type of renovation, leading to a dangerous and unstable situation.
To solve this problem, the city passed an ordinance in 1907 that required all new buildings to be constructed with a solid foundation and raised above the new street level. This left the old storefronts and buildings in the lower levels of the city abandoned and forgotten.
For many years, the underground area was left untouched and largely unknown to the public. It wasn’t until the 1960s that a man named Bill Speidel began to explore the underground tunnels and realized the incredible historical value they held.
Speidel was a Seattle native and historian who had a passion for preserving the city’s past. He founded the Underground Tour, which takes visitors through the tunnels and tells the story of the city’s early days. The tour has become a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, and it has played a significant role in preserving the history of the Seattle Underground.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Seattle Underground is the remnants of the old storefronts and buildings that can still be seen today. Visitors can see the old storefronts of businesses like a saloon, a mortuary, and a Chinese laundry. The walls of these buildings are covered in graffiti and remnants of advertisements from a bygone era.
In addition to the storefronts, there are also several artifacts and exhibits that showcase the unique history of the city. Visitors can see items like an old-fashioned toilet, a payphone, and a collection of vintage Seattle street signs.
The Underground Tour also tells the story of the city’s darker past, including the rampant prostitution and opium trade that plagued the area in the late 1800s. Visitors can see the remnants of underground brothels and opium dens, and learn about the efforts to combat these illicit activities.
Another interesting aspect of the Seattle Underground is the engineering marvels that were necessary to construct the tunnels. The tunnels were built with a series of skylights and vents that allowed natural light and air to flow through the underground space. The tunnels were also designed with a series of arches and pillars that provided structural support for the buildings above.
Today, the Seattle Underground continues to be a popular attraction for tourists and locals. The Underground Tour is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s history, and it provides a unique glimpse into a forgotten world beneath the streets of downtown Seattle.
The Seattle Underground is more than just a relic of the past, however. It is a reminder of the city’s resilience and adaptability in the face of change. Despite the challenges it has faced over the years, the underground city remains a testament to Seattle’s pioneering spirit and its commitment to innovation and progress. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the Seattle Underground is a must-see destination.
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Last Update: March 22, 2023