Pioneer Square

Description:

• The historic heart of Seattle. Many of the buildings in Pioneer Square date back to the late 1800's, grand stone and brick structures housed the bustling pioneer economy of Seattle at the turn of the century. Enormous timber slid down skid row to ships in Elliot Bay destined for San Francisco's post-fire rebuild, prostitutes and gangsters frequented some of the bars still in operation and later the area became home to a lively jazz scene hosting such greats as Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. During the early 90's the Seattle Grunge scene erupted through various dilapidated music venues, most of which have been gentrified or restored to their original turn of the century character. The Smith Tower was the tallest building in the world outside of New York when it was completed in 1914. If you happen to be in town on the first Thursday of the month, check out the art walk, all the galleries are open to the public in the early evening.