Seattle’s Transformation: Above and Below the Streets
Seattle’s Underground is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a preserved piece of the city’s history, showcasing a drastic change following the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Before the fire, Seattle was a largely wooden city built on tideflats. Afterward, the city was rebuilt, with streets raised one to two stories to combat sewage problems and create a more sanitary environment, leaving the original street level below.
Before the Great Seattle Fire: A City on Stilts
Prior to 1889, Seattle was a booming but unsanitary city. Built on low-lying tidelands, the city suffered from frequent flooding and sewage problems. Wooden buildings were commonplace, and streets were often muddy and overflowing. The city’s infrastructure was rudimentary, and the overall conditions were far from ideal. Think of it as a bustling frontier town, rapidly growing but lacking the modern infrastructure to support its population.
The Great Seattle Fire of 1889: A Turning Point
The Great Seattle Fire, while devastating, presented an opportunity for the city to rebuild smarter. The fire destroyed much of the downtown core, essentially wiping the slate clean. This allowed city planners to address the long-standing issues of flooding and sewage disposal in a radical way: by raising the street level.
After the Fire: Rebuilding Above the Old Seattle
Following the fire, Seattle embarked on an ambitious engineering project. The streets were raised by filling in the original street level with dirt and building new retaining walls. New brick buildings were constructed at the new, higher grade. This process effectively entombed the original street level and the ground floors of the pre-fire buildings, creating what we now know as the Seattle Underground. Sidewalks became tunnels, and storefronts became subterranean spaces. For a comprehensive overview of Seattle’s history, read more on the History of Seattle.
Seattle Underground Today: A Window to the Past
Today, the Seattle Underground is a unique tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the preserved remnants of the original city, walking through the old streets and storefronts beneath the modern city above. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Seattle’s past and the challenges it faced in its early days. Tours provide historical context and bring the story of Seattle’s transformation to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Seattle rebuilt above the original city?
Seattle was rebuilt at a higher grade to solve persistent flooding and sewage problems that plagued the original city built on tideflats.
What caused the Great Seattle Fire?
The fire was started by an overturned glue pot in a woodworking shop.
Are there any other underground cities in the world?
Yes, several cities around the world have underground sections or tunnels, often created for transportation, storage, or shelter.
Can you still access the Seattle Underground on your own?
No, the Seattle Underground is primarily accessible through guided tours.
What kinds of things can you see in the Seattle Underground?
Visitors can see the remnants of original sidewalks, storefronts, and building foundations from the late 19th century.
Summary
Seattle’s Underground vividly illustrates the city’s resilience and ingenuity. The Great Seattle Fire, while destructive, paved the way for a redesigned city with improved infrastructure. Raising the street level transformed Seattle, leaving behind a fascinating network of tunnels and historical artifacts that offer a unique perspective on the city’s early history and its determined rise from the ashes.
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