When you think of Seattle, you may think of iconic landmarks like Pike Place Market, Starbucks, and the Space Needle. But a lesser-known wonder is Seattle’s historic underground city, a fascinating time capsule of archeology and history. This unique underground world offers a glimpse into an important chapter in Seattle’s past, making the Seattle Underground Tour a must-see experience for those looking for something different.
Seattle Underground Tour: The History Behind Our Feet
Today, people enjoy chic bars and coffee shops in the Romanesque Revival buildings that make up Seattle’s Pioneer Square. But beneath the streets of this bustling district, remnants of Seattle’s first buildings remain. Two hundred years ago, this land belonged to the Coast Salish Indian tribe, but then immigrants came to the area and established a settlement in 1851. The settlement flourished during his 38 years, welcoming thousands of new residents. But one careless moment changed the city forever.
Warning to check stove top
On June 6, 1889, a devastating fire engulfed the city. The fire started in a woodworking shop. “The cabinet maker was warming up a pot of glue. He forgot about it, so it boiled over and caught fire,” says tour guide Bill Speidel’s Underground Tours. “He panicked and tried to throw water on what was essentially a grease fire. So it splattered onto the floor, which was covered in sawdust soaked in turpentine.” They burned down the building and reached the store where they had recently acquired 550 whiskey barrels. At the time, many stores stocked live ammunition and dynamite, increasing the danger. The fire destroyed his 33 blocks in downtown Seattle, but miraculously no lives were lost.
A city rising from the ashes
When early Seattle residents rebuilt their city, they realized they needed to make it higher because of previous flooding problems. The city built a towering retaining wall along the road, raising it higher than the original sidewalk, inadvertently creating an underground world. New buildings at street level were built in the Romanesque style, and the area became known as Pioneer Square. The basement store continued to operate normally for the first few years after the fire.
To access them, customers had to climb a ladder or staircase built to accommodate the bizarre basement floor. In some cases, people went underground to cross the street. Eventually, however, these lower levels became a haven for the city’s less savory elements, such as opium dens and illegal bars. By 1907, the city had sealed off many of these underground passages.
Speidel’s Vision: Preserving Seattle’s Heritage
The existence of Seattle’s underground city had become a myth by the 1950s. Pioneer Square, rebuilt in the 1890s, faced demolition. But Bill and Shirley Speidel, residents passionate about preserving this hidden historical treasure, spearheaded the preservation movement. Bill discovers that the underground is indeed real and that people are so curious about what lies beneath it that he is overwhelmed with people wanting to take tours.
“Well, there I was with 300 people who were dying to take an underground tour, and there were no underground tours to offer,” he recalled. interview. On the first day of their tour in 1965, they took at least 500 people underwater. Unfortunately, Bill passed away in his 1988 year, but his tours are still going strong.
Tour details and tips
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour The tour begins at the Doc Maynard Public House, a restored 1890s tavern, with a 20-minute explanation of the history of the area and the tour before heading into the underground area. Tour guides like to incorporate a little comedy into the stories of the area’s pioneers, and you’ll end up covering some uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are recommended. If you have mobility issues, please note that the tour requires you to climb several flights of stairs.
One guest said, “This tour was worth every penny, taking us underground to three different historic buildings and showing us what was left of the late 1800s. It was an amazing experience to dive down and see everything frozen in time and see what Seattle was like at the time.” This tour is further enhanced by a sprinkling of humor, history, and the paranormal. Tours cost just under $25 for adults.
Beneath the Streets – Another Gateway to the Past
“We knew that many more underground spaces had been closed to the public for decades, and we wanted to reopen as many as possible,” said Sarah Morris. say. under the street—Seattle’s new subway tour provider. The tour company has brought six new underground areas back from obscurity and shared them with nearly 1 million guests since operations began.
“We keep in mind that this is Salish land, and we honor that by talking about the history of the Salish Coast on our tours,” Morris says. “Through our tours of Pioneer Square, the birthplace of this city, and our subway rides, we are well aware of the cultural connections between past and present that this region and architecture offer.” The tour includes three underground stations. It is an opportunity to understand how these spaces are used and what secrets they hide. Beneath the Streets also offers tours about queer history and Seattle’s red light district. All tours are less than $27.
Pioneer Square today
“Pioneer Square has always been home to marginalized people, artists, idealists, and people who want to move the city forward,” Morris says. “And yet, everything seems to coexist in this little corner of Seattle. Pioneer Square is the heart of the city.” Pioneer Square continues to serve as a vibrant hub where past and present meet. It offers a unique blend of historic buildings, contemporary galleries, and lively dining options.
Seattle’s underground tour offers a glimpse into a hidden chapter of the city’s history. From its underground origins after the Great Fire of 1889 to Speidel’s conservation efforts, these tours offer unique and fascinating experiences. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for another way to explore Seattle, this underground city is worth a visit.
