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Seattle, WA Area Guide

Seattle is situated in the western part of Washington State on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Seattle is about 96 miles south of the Canada and United States border. As of 2008, the city had an approximate population of 598,500, making it the twenty-fifth most populous city in the United States. Seattle’s current official nickname is the “ Emerald City”, the result of a contest held in the early 1980s. The reference is to the lush evergreen forests of the area. Seattle is also referred to informally as the “Gateway to Alaska”, “ Rain City”, and “ Jet City”, the last from the local influence of Boeing.

The Seattle area has been inhabited for at least 4,000 years, but European settlement began only in the mid-19th century. The first permanent European settlers— Arthur A. Denny and those subsequently known as the Denny Party—arrived November 13, 1851. Early settlements in the area were called "New York-Alki" ("Alki" meaning "by and by" in the local Chinook Jargon) and "Duwamps". In 1853, Doc Maynard suggested that the main settlement be renamed " Seattle", an anglicized rendition of the name of Sealth, the chief of the two local tribes. From 1869 until 1882, Seattle was known as the " Queen City".

History

Archaeological excavations confirm that the Seattle area has been inhabited by humans for at least 4,000 years. By the time the first European settlers arrived in the area, the people (the Duwamish Tribe) occupied at least seventeen villages in the areas around Elliott Bay.

In 1851, a large party led by Luther Collins made a location on land at the mouth of the Duwamish River; they formally claimed it on September 14, 1851. Thirteen days later, members of the Collins Party on the way to their claim passed three scouts of the Denny Party, the group who would eventually found Seattle.

After a difficult winter, most of the Denny Party relocated across Elliott Bay and founded the village of “Dewamps” on the site of present day Pioneer Square. Charles Terry and John Low remained at the original landing location and established a village they called “Alki” in April 1853. Alki and Duwamps competed for dominance for the next few years, but in time Alki was abandoned and its residents moved across the bay to join the rest of the settlers.

David Swinson Maynard, one of Duwamps's founders, was the primary advocate to rename the village “Seattle” after Chief Sealth of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. The term, “ Seattle”, appears on official Washington Territory papers dated May 23, 1853, when the first plats for the village were filed. In 1855, nominal land settlements were established. On January 14, 1865, the Legislature of Territorial Washington incorporated the Town of Seattle with a board of trustees managing the city. Two years later, after a petition was filed by most of the leading citizens, the Legislature disincorporated the town. The town remained a precinct of King County until late 1869 when a new petition was filed and the city was re-incorporated with a Mayor-council government.

Parks and Recreation

Seattle has over 400 parks and open areas, and over 6200 acres of park land. Whether your interest is aquatics, creek restoration, basketball, or gardening, Seattle has something for you!

Attractions

Seattle is home to numerous attractions that will be sure to spark interest with every member of your family. Come visit the Woodland Park Zoo or take a tour of one of the many museums. You won’t want to miss out on these great adventures waiting for you!

Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo encompasses 92 acres and features more than 1,090 individual animals representing nearly 300 species. The grounds are divided into what are known as bioclimatic zones, the unique habitats around the world, from tropical rain forests to the frigid climes of the Far North.

Klondike Gold Rush Seattle Unit
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the story of the 1897-98 stampede to the Yukon gold fields and Seattle’s role in this event. The park offers a glimpse at the stories of adventure and hardship of the gold rush.

Waterfall Garden
The dominant materials in this Pioneer Square park are wood, concrete and water. It's like stepping into a Zen water and rock garden. The splashing water drowns out traffic noise and soothes the soul, while the few plants stir gently in the breeze. Benches provide a welcome urban respite. There's a plaque on the outside wall commemorating, the birthplace of the United Parcel Service.

The Wing Luke Asian Museum
A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Wing Luke Asian Museum engages the public in exploring issues related to the culture, art and history of Asian Pacific Americans.

Space Needle
Built in 1962, the Space Needle served as the symbol of that year's World's Fair. It has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The privately owned Space Needle is managed by Space Needle LLC.

Events

Seattle is the place to be for some of the best events in the area! You won’t want to miss Christmas at the Mansion or one of the many other great festivals and celebrations.

Christmas at the Mansion
The Mansion celebrates the season with gaily decorated rooms in Victorian style. Hot spiced cider and cookies are served at the end of each tour. We'll have marvelous entertainment planned and pictures with Santa will be available.

Savor Seattle Pike Place Market Food & Cultural Tour
Eat your way through Pike Place Market! Taste locally made foods and beverages that will awaken your palate, meet some of the storied characters and artisans that give the market life, and learn about the market's rich and vibrant history.

Wonderland at Westlake Park
Bring the entire family to Westlake Park for the whirling, twirling fun of the illuminated KING 5 Wonderland featuring the Holiday Carousel benefiting Treehouse—a holiday tradition for all ages.

For more information on events in the Seattle area, please visit:

http://www.seattle.gov/html/VISITOR/weekend.htm