Seattle is known for coffee, rainy weather, fish markets, and the beautiful Puget Sound. Find out what makes this city so unique, from the needle to the cafes, with some enlightening facts about Seattle.
8 Seattle Facts
1. Seattle gets its name from the Native American word “Sealth.” (Source)
Sealth was a chief from the Suquamish tribe who met settlers in 1851. “Chief Seattle” can be seen in commemorative monuments, art, and team names throughout the city.
2. The city bird is the Blue Heron. (Source)
The Blue Heron was designated the city bird by the City Council in 2003. The Seattle Audubon Society pushed for its selection, and it was chosen in a voting process by Seattle residents. It beat out the Common Crow in a two-to-one decision.
3. Seattle was destroyed and then rebuilt after a fire. (Source)
The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 took out the entire commercial district after a woodworker made a mistake with hot glue. Unfortunately, many lives were lost to the resulting fire, and 116 acres in Seattle were burned to the ground.
4. Starbucks got its start in Seattle. (Source)
The famous coffee chain is known for colorful drinks, high-quality beans, and equipment. There is no shortage of cafes in Seattle, but Starbucks emerged as a worldwide chain of shops. The first Starbucks opened on March 31, 1971, and now it enjoys recognition everywhere, but the business has never strayed from its Seattle roots.
5. There’s a troll living under a Seattle bridge. (Source)
An 18-foot-tall troll lives under the Aurora Bridge in the form of a concrete statue created by artist Steve Badanes. The statue was to commemorate “Troll Avenue,” which the bridge intersects. Many people love to take photos of this beloved Seattle landmark.
6. The Seattle Space Needle is a feat of engineering. (Source)
The Space Needle was created to commemorate the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. It cost about 4.5 million dollars. This marvel was constructed using 5,600 pounds of concrete. If you want to climb to the observation deck on foot, you’re looking at 848 steps to the top. The Needle proved its strength in 1965 when a major earthquake of 6.5 magnitude rocked the city. The only thing broken in the Needle? A bottle of champagne.
7. Seattle is home to the oldest farmers market. (Source)
The Pike Place Market was opened in 1907, and it’s been going strong ever since. Many people consider July the best time to visit because of the variety of fresh produce. The market was originally started when overpriced onions set the city on edge. The Pike Place Market allowed farmers to sell directly to consumers at a lower price. Today, you’ll find a lot more than onions for sale there. Many crafters and local artists sell their goods there too.
8. Seattle is the cleanest city in the United States. (Source)
Based on trash removal, population density, pollution, and pest prevalence, Seattle is the cleanest city in the U.S. Thanks to robust government recycling initiatives, Seattle citizens help keep the streets clean.
