A ride on the Bainbridge ferry.
Tourist Offices
Need more information about Seattle? You can get all the details your heart desires by contacting Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, 701 Pike St., Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98101 (
206/461-5800; www.visitseattle.org), which operates the Seattle Visitor Center and Concierge Services inside the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, 7th Avenue and Pike Street, Upper Pike Street Lobby ( 206/461-5840); and the Market Information Center, Southwest Corner of 1st Avenue and Pike Street in the Pike Place Market ( 206/461-5840). For information on other parts of Washington, contact Washington State Tourism ( 800/544-1800; www.experiencewa.com).
The Best Times to Go
Summer arrives with a bang in Seattle around the Fourth of July. From then through the end of September, the rain (for the most part) goes away and Seattleites come out to play. The picture-perfect weather means hotels and restaurants are crowded, so book as far in advance as possible. If you’re not afraid of the rain—usually more of a mist than a downpour—come in the winter months, when rates are lower, crowds are thinner, and the theaters are churning out top-notch productions. With Seattle’s temperate climate, it will probably be warmer than wherever you started out.
Festivals & Special Events
Spring. April brings the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival ( 360/428-5959; www.tulipfestival.org), in and around La Conner. An hour north of Seattle, acres and acres of tulips and daffodils blanket the Skagit Valley with a living quilt for weeks, accompanied by festivities. May starts with a splash the first Saturday of the month, Opening Day of Boating Season ( 206/325-1000; www.seattleyachtclub.org). It’s held on Lakes Union and Washington. Next comes the first big street fair, the U District StreetFair ( 206/547-4417; www.udistrictstreetfair.org), in the lively University District. Also in mid-May is Giant Magnet’s International Children’s Friendship Festival ( 206/684-7338), at Seattle Center, celebrating cultures from around the world. Then comes the world-famous Seattle International Film Festival ( 206/324-9996; www.seattlefilm.com), held at area theaters, mid-May through early June. On Memorial Day weekend, the Northwest Folklife Festival ( 206/684-7300; www.nwfolklife.org) at Seattle Center honors the many cultures that come together in the Northwest.
Summer. The third weekend in June is time for the wackiest festival of all, the Fremont Fair ( 206/694-6706; www.fremontfair.com), which welcomes the summer solstice with a quirky parade, complete with political satire and bicyclists in the buff. At the end of the month comes Seattle Pride ( 206/322-9561; www.seattlepride.org), a gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender festival. On the Fourth of July, head for Lake Union ( 206/281-7788; www.familyfourth.org) to ooh and ahhh at fireworks over the lake. The biggest event of the season is Seafair ( 206/728-0123; www.seafair.com), which starts in early July and lasts for a month. Highlights are the hydroplane boat races, the Navy’s Blue Angels show and the Torchlight Parade. At Bite of Seattle in mid-July, crowds head to Seattle Center to hear live bands and sample treats and wine from local restaurants. Wrapping up the summer is Bumbershoot, the Seattle Music & Arts Festival ( 206/281-7788; www.bumbershoot.org), at Seattle Center on Labor Day weekend. It’s a little bit crazy and a lot of fun.
Fall. Issaquah Salmon Days Festival ( 425/392-0661; www.salmondays.org) welcomes the salmon on their return to the lakes and streams. Issaquah, 15 miles east of Seattle, the first full weekend in October.
Seattle’s Average Temperature & Days of Rain
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
|
Temp. (°F) |
46 |
50 |
53 |
58 |
65 |
69 |
Temp. (°C) |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
18 |
21 |
Rain (days) |
16 |
17 |
14 |
10 |
9 |
5 |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Temp. (°F) |
75 |
74 |
69 |
60 |
52 |
47 |
Temp. (°C) |
24 |
23 |
21 |
16 |
11 |
8 |
Rain (days) |
7 |
9 |
14 |
18 |
20 |
19 |
Winter. Throughout December, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ships Festival ( 888/623-1445 or 206/622-8687; www.argosycruises.com) takes place at various waterfront locations. Boats decked out with Christmas lights parade past a number of beaches. What better way to ring in the new year than with New Year’s at the Needle ( 206/905-2100; www.spaceneedle.com), Seattle Center, December 31?
In January, Seattle celebrates the Chinese New Year in a big way, with dragon kites, music and dance. The Chinatown/International District Lunar New Year Celebration ( 206/382-1197; www.cidbia.org), is held at Hing Hay Park (423 Maynard Ave. S.).The next month, gardening buffs head to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show ( 253/756-2121; www.gardenshow.com), at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.
The Weather
Okay, so Seattle doesn’t come to mind when you think of sunny destinations. But if you’re here in July, August, or September, when those glorious summer days stretch lazily on ‘til 10pm, you might think the city has an undeserved rap. Come back in November and you might change your mind. But even then, the rain is generally more drizzle than downpour. When they run the numbers, it turns out that Seattle gets 19 inches less rain every year than Miami—though it rains here 29 more days. Theirs is torrential downpour; ours is gentle mist. So Seattle has less rain but more gray days. No matter when you visit, bring an umbrella or hooded jacket for chilly nights. Winters seldom bring below-freezing temperatures in temperate Seattle, and snow is a rarity in the city.
Car Rentals
All the major car-rental agencies have offices in Seattle and at or near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These include the following:
•Advantage ( 800/777-5500 or 206/824-0161; www.advantage.com)
•Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.visitseattle.org)
•Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (www.portseattle.org/seatac)
•Seattle Times (www.seattletimes.com)
•Seattle Weekly (www.seattleweekly.com)
•Universal Currency Converter (www.xe.com/ucc)
•Visa ATM Locator (www.visa.com), MasterCard ATM Locator (www.mastercard.com)
•Washington State Ferries (www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries)
•Weather (www.intellicast.com and www.weather.com)
•Alamo ( 877/905-5555 or 206/433-0182; www.goalamo.com)
•Avis ( 800/331-1212 or 206/433-5231; www.avis.com)
•Budget ( 800/527-0700 or 206/444-7510; www.budget.com)
•Dollar ( 800/800-3665 or 206/433-5825; www.dollar.com)
•Enterprise ( 800/261-7331 or 206/246-1953; www.enterprise.com)
•Hertz ( 800/654-3131 or 206/248-1300; www.hertz.com)
•National ( 877/222-9058 or 206/433-5501; www.nationalcar.com)
•Thrifty ( 800/847-4389 or 877/283-0898; www.thrifty.com)
Cellphones
It’s a good bet that your phone will work in major cities, but take a look at your wireless company’s coverage map on its website before heading out. If you need to stay in touch at a destination where you know your phone won’t work, rent a phone that does from InTouch USA ( 800/872-7626; www.intouchglobal.com) or a rental car location, but beware that you’ll pay by the minute for airtime.
By Plane
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ( 206/433-5388; www.portseattle.org/seatac) is served by about 30 airlines.
International carriers that fly from Europe to Los Angeles and/or San Francisco (continue to Seattle on a domestic carrier) include Aer Lingus ( 0818/365-000 in Ireland; www.aerlingus.com) and British Airways ( 0870/850-9850; www.britishairways.com). The latter also flies directly to Seattle from London.
From New Zealand and Australia, there are flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles on Qantas ( 13-13-13 in Australia; www.qantas.com.au) and Air New Zealand ( 0800/737-000 in New Zealand; www.airnewzealand.co.nz).
From Los Angeles, you can continue on to Seattle on a regional domestic carrier.
Seaplane service between Seattle and the San Juan Islands; and Victoria, British Columbia, is offered by Kenmore Air ( 866/435-9524 or 425/486-1257; www.kenmoreair.com), which has its Seattle terminals at the south end of Lake Union and at the north end of Lake Washington.
By Car
There are two main exits from the airport: From the loading/unloading area, take the first exit if you’re staying near the airport. Take the second exit (Wash. 518) if you’re headed to downtown Seattle. Driving east on Wash. 518 will connect you to I-5, where you’ll then follow the signs for Seattle. Generally, allow 30 minutes for the drive between the airport and downtown—45 minutes to an hour during rush hour.
By Taxi, Shuttle, or Bus
A taxi into downtown Seattle will cost you about $32 to $52. There are usually plenty of taxis around, but if not, call Yellow Cab ( 206/622-6500) or Farwest Taxi ( 206/622-1717). Gray Line Airport Express ( 800/426-7532 or 206/626-6088; www.graylineofseattle.com) is a good way to get downtown. They leave the airport every 30 minutes from 6:20am (5:30am from downtown) to 9pm. Passengers are picked up outside the baggage-claim area, on Level Three of the parking garage, Island Two. Airporter shuttles stop at the following downtown hotels: Madison Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Fairmont Olympic, Seattle Hilton, Sheraton Seattle, Grand Hyatt, Westin, and Warwick. Fares are $18 one-way and $31 round-trip for adults, free for children under 17 accompanied by adult.
Shuttle Express
Shuttle Express ( 800/487-7433 or 425/981-7000; www.shuttleexpress.com) provides 24-hour service between Sea-Tac and Seattle and environs. Rates to downtown Seattle hotels are $18 for adults, children 17 and under ride free with paying adult. You need a reservation to get to the airport; to leave the airport, reservations are recommended, but walk-ups are welcome. Head to the Ground Transportation Center on the third floor of the parking garage.
Link Light Rail
The new Link Light Rail Station ( 800/201-4900 or 206/398-5000; www.soundtransit.org) is connected to the fourth floor of the parking garage. Trains run between the airport and downtown every 71⁄2 to 15 minutes, from 5am to 1am Monday through Saturday, and 6am to midnight Sunday, $2 to $2.75.The trip takes about 35 minutes.
By Ferry
Seattle is served by Washington State Ferries ( 888/808-7977 within Washington, or 206/464-6400; www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries). Car ferries travel between downtown Seattle and both Bainbridge Island and Bremerton from Pier 52. Car ferries also connect Fauntleroy (in West Seattle) with Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula; Tahlequah (Vashon Island) with Point Defiance in Tacoma; Edmonds with Kingston (on the Kitsap Peninsula); Mukilteo with Whidbey Island; Whidbey Island at Keystone with Port Townsend; and Anacortes with the San Juan Islands and Sidney, British Columbia (near Victoria).
If you’re traveling between Victoria, British Columbia, and Seattle, several options are available through Victoria Clipper, Pier 69, 2701 Alaskan Way ( 800/888-2535, 206/448-5000, or 250/382-8100 in Victoria; www.victoriaclipper.com).
Amtrak ( 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) service runs from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seattle and from Portland and as far south as Eugene, Oregon. The train takes about 4 hours from Vancouver and 31⁄2 to 4 hours from Portland. One-way fares from Vancouver or from Portland to Seattle run $30 to $60. There is also Amtrak service to Seattle from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and from Spokane and points east. Amtrak also operates a bus between Vancouver and Seattle.
By Bus
Greyhound ( 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) bus service provides connections to almost any city in the continental United States. Seattle’s Greyhound bus station is at 811 Stewart St., a few blocks northeast of downtown.
Bolt Bus ( 877/BOLTBUS [265-8287]; www.boltbus.com) offers an inexpensive, direct service between Portland and Vancouver, B.C., to Seattle several times a day, stopping in Seattle at King St. in the Chinatown/International District.
By Metro Bus King County’s extensive Metro ( 206/553-3000; http://metro.kingcounty.gov) bus system will get you anywhere you need to go in and around the city; adult fares range from $2.25 to $3, depending on distance and time of day. You need exact change; or a TAP card (www.taptodo.net), which allows you to load fares and purchase $5 day passes.
By Car
Seattle is 110 miles from Vancouver, British Columbia, 175 miles from Portland, 810 miles from San Francisco, 1,190 miles from Los Angeles, 835 miles from Salt Lake City, and 285 miles from Spokane. I-5 is the main north–south artery, running south to Portland and north to the Canadian border. I-405 is Seattle’s eastside bypass and accesses Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland on the east side of Lake Washington. I-90, which ends at I-5, connects Seattle to Spokane in the eastern part of Washington. Wash. 520 connects I-405 with Seattle just north of downtown and also ends at I-5. Wash. 99, the Alaskan Way Viaduct, is another major north–south highway through downtown Seattle but it’s slated to be removed by 2017 and replaced by a tunnel. All the major car-rental agencies have offices in Seattle and at or near Sea-Tac International Airport.
Keep in mind that Seattle traffic congestion is bad, parking is limited (and expensive), and streets are almost all one-way. You’ll avoid frustration by leaving your car in your hotel parking garage. You might not need a car at all. The city center is well served by public transportation. Plus, Seattle is very walkable. However, to get north of Seattle Center, east of Lake Washington, west of Puget Sound or south of the sports stadiums is a bit tricky without a car (of course, you can take the foot ferry for a trip to Bainbridge Island). You could certainly have a very fun trip to Seattle without renting a car.
Parking
On-street parking in downtown Seattle is expensive and extremely limited. Most downtown parking lots charge $20 to $25 per day, though many offer early-bird specials. Some lots near the Space Needle charge less, and you can leave your car there, then take the monorail downtown. Some restaurants and Pike Place Market merchants validate parking permits.
By Streecar
The Seattle Streetcar (www.seattlestreetcar.org) runs from downtown to Lake Union and will eventually have another line up First Hill and along Broadway. Fares are $2.50 for adults.
By Light Rail
The Central Link Light Rail (www.soundtransit.org) runs beneath 3rd Avenue from Westlake Station to Sea-Tac airport, making key downtown stops along the way. Adult fares range from $2 to $2.75 depending on distance traveled.
Area CodeThe area code is 206 in Seattle, 425 for the Eastside (including Kirkland and Bellevue), and 253 for south King County (near the airport).
ATMsBank and street ATMs are located all through downtown Seattle and at major tourist attractions.
Business HoursThe following are general guidelines. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (some also on Sat 9am–noon). Stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm (malls usually stay open until 9pm Mon–Sat). Bars can stay open until 2am.
Currency The most common bills are the $1 (a “buck”), $5, $10, and $20 denominations. Coins: 1¢ (1 cent, or a penny); 5¢ (5 cents, or a nickel); 10¢ (10 cents, or a dime); 25¢ (25 cents, or a quarter); 50¢ (50 cents, or a half dollar); the gold-colored Sacagawea coin, worth $1; and the rare silver dollar.
DentistContact the Dental Referral Service ( 800/510-7315).
DoctorTo find a physician, check at your hotel for a referral, contact Swedish Medical Center ( 800/833-8879; www.swedish.org), or call the referral line of the Virginia Mason Medical Center ( 888/862-2737; www.virginiamason.org).
Drinking LawsThe legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars and restaurants. Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn’t zoned for alcohol consumption. And nothing will ruin your trip faster than getting a citation for DUI (“driving under the influence”), so don’t even think about driving while intoxicated.
Embassies & ConsulatesAll embassies are located in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. and some consulates are located in major U.S. cities. If your country isn’t listed below, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. ( 202/555-1212) or log on to www.embassy.org/embassies.
The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 ( 202/797-3000; www.usa.embassy.gov.au). There are consulates in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 ( 202/682-1740; www.canadianembassy.org). Other Canadian consulates are in cities including Buffalo (New York), Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.
The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 ( 202/462-3939; www.embassyofireland.org). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for complete listing.
The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 ( 202/328-4800; www.nzembassy.com/usa). New Zealand consulates are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.
The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 ( 202/588-6500; www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
EmergenciesFor police, fire, or medical emergencies, phone 911.
HolidaysBanks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King, Jr., Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents’ Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans’ Day/Armistice Day), the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25 (Christmas). The Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day.
HospitalsHospitals convenient to downtown include Swedish Medical Center, 747 Broadway ( 206/386-6000; www.swedish.org), and Virginia Mason Medical Center, 1100 9th Ave. ( 206/583-6433 for emergencies or 206/624-1144 for information; www.virginiamason.org).
Internet AccessFirst, ask at your hotel to see if it provides Internet access. Alternatively, you can head to the Seattle Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. ( 206/386-4636), which has hundreds of online computer terminals.
Lost & FoundBe sure to tell all of your credit card companies the minute you discover your wallet has been lost or stolen and file a report at a police precinct. Your credit card company or insurer may require a police report number or record of the loss. Most credit card companies have an emergency toll-free number to call if your card is lost or stolen. Visa’s U.S. emergency number is 800/847-2911. American Express cardholders and traveler’s check holders should call 800/528-4800. MasterCard holders should call 800/627-8372. For other credit cards, call the toll-free number directory at 800/555-1212. You can have money wired to you via Western Union ( 800/325-6000; www.westernunion.com).
Newspapers & MagazinesThe “Seattle Times” is Seattle’s daily newspaper. “Seattle Weekly” is the city’s free arts-and-entertainment weekly.
PharmaciesConveniently located downtown pharmacies include Rite Aid, with branches at 319 Pike St. ( 206/223-0512) and 2603 3rd Ave. ( 206/441-8790). For 24-hour service, try Bartell Drug Store, 600 1st Ave. N. ( 206/284-1353).
PoliceFor police emergencies, phone 911.
RestroomsThere are public restrooms in Pike Place Market, Westlake Center, Pacific Place, Seattle Center, and the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. You’ll also find restrooms in most hotel lobbies and coffee bars in downtown Seattle.
SafetyAlthough Seattle is a relatively safe city, it has its share of crime. The most questionable neighborhood you’re likely to visit is the Pioneer Square area. By day, this area is quite safe (though it has a large contingent of street people), but when the bars are closing, stay aware of your surroundings. Also take extra precautions with your wallet or purse when you’re in the crush of people at Pike Place Market. Try to park your car in a garage at night. If you must park on the street, make sure there are no valuables in view.
SmokingSmoking is banned in public indoor spaces throughout the state of Washington, even in bars.
TaxesSeattle has a 9.5% sales tax. In restaurants, there’s an additional .5% food-and-beverage tax. The hotel-room tax in the metro area ranges from around 10% to 16%. On rental cars, you pay an 18.6% tax, plus, if you rent at the airport, a 10% to 12% airport concession fee (plus other fees for a whopping total of around 45%!).
TelephonesHotel surcharges can be astronomical, so use your cellphone. Many convenience groceries sell prepaid calling cards; for international visitors these can be the least expensive way to call home. For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.
Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. For local directory assistance (“information”), dial 411; for long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code and 555-1212.
TimeSeattle is in the Pacific Standard Time (PST) zone, making it 3 hours behind the East Coast of the U.S.
Daylight Saving Time is in effect from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November. Daylight Saving Time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.
TippingTips are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2–$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the cleaning staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you’ve left a disaster area). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service. Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car. In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff 15% to 20% of the check, tip bartenders 10% to 15%, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle. Tip cab drivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2–$3 if you have a lot of luggage); and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.
Transit InfoFor 24-hour information on Seattle’s Metro bus system, call 206/553-3000 or go to http://metro.kingcounty.gov. For information on the Washington State Ferries, call 888/808-7977 within Washington, or 206/464-6400; www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
Travelers with DisabilitiesFor anyone using a wheelchair, the greatest difficulty of a visit to Seattle is dealing with the city’s steep hills. One solution for dealing with downtown hills is to use the elevator at Pike Place Market to get between the waterfront and 1st Avenue. There’s also a public elevator at the west end of Lenora Street (just north of Pike Place Market). This elevator connects the waterfront with the Belltown neighborhood.
Organizations that offer assistance to disabled travelers include MossRehab ( 800/CALL-MOSS; www.mossresourcenet.org); the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) ( 800/232-5463; www.afb.org); and SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality) ( 212/447-7284; www.sath.org). AirAmbulanceCard.com is now partnered with SATH and allows you to preselect top-notch hospitals in case of an emergency.
WeatherCheck the “Seattle Times“ or “Seattle Post-Intelligencer” newspapers for forecasts. If you want to know what to pack before you depart, go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/seattle, www.cnn.com/weather, or www.wunderground.com/US/WA.
1792 British Capt. George Vancouver explores and names Puget Sound.
1851 The Denny party makes land at Alki Point (now West Seattle) and endures a harsh first winter with the help of local Indian tribes.
1852 Denny and gang move their town to the more temperate east side of the Puget Sound; “Doc” Maynard names the town after Chief Sealth of the local Duwamish tribe.
1853 The Washington Territory is officially created; it includes what is now Idaho and part of Montana.
1853 Henry Yesler opens the first of many sawmills to be built in the Puget Sound area.
1855 The U.S. government signs treaties with several Native-American tribes in the Washington Territory, giving much of their land to the federal government.
1861 The University of Washington (then called Territorial University) opens its doors to students.
1863 Idaho Territory is separated from the Washington Territory.
1863 The “Gazette,” later to become the “Seattle Post-Intelligencer,” publishes its first newspaper.
1864 Cross-country Western Union telegraph line reaches Seattle.
1869 The City of Seattle incorporates.
1871 The Indian Appropriations Act says Indians are no longer sovereign but federal “wards.”
1878 Seattle gets its first telephones.
1885 Chinese immigrants are forced out of Seattle.
1889 Twenty-five blocks of Seattle burn to the ground in the Great Fire, prompting a frenzy of building—several feet higher than the original shops had been.
1889 Washington becomes the nation’s 42nd state.
1893 Transcontinental Great Northern Railway reaches Seattle.
1893 Great Panic delivers a punch to Washington’s economy.
1896 Col. Alden Blethen buys “The Seattle Daily Times.” (The Blethen family still owns “The Seattle Times.)”
1897–1899 Seattle booms as a stopping-off point for Klondike gold-seekers.
1901 John Nordstrom opens his first shoe store.
1907 Pike Place Market brings farmers and customers directly together.
1910 Seattle women win their on-again-off-again right to vote once and for all.
1914 Smith Tower is completed in Seattle, becoming the tallest building west of Ohio.
1915 William Boeing goes for his first flight.
1916 A long, violent longshoremen’s strike takes place.
1917 Construction is complete on the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
1917 Boeing Airplane Co. is launched.
1919 The nation’s first general strike causes mayhem in Seattle.
1919 First international airmail delivery by Boeing and Hubbard.
1919 Eddie Bauer’s first store opens.
1921 The Alien Land Law is passed in Washington, restricting Asian immigrants’ rights to own or lease property.
1924 Native Americans are made U.S. citizens.
1926 Seattle elects the first woman mayor of any major U.S. city.
1940 Lake Washington Floating Bridge becomes the first of its kind in the world.
1940 Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson wins election to Congress, and later to the U.S. Senate.
1942 FDR signs order sending Japanese Americans from the West Coast to internment camps; thousands in the Seattle area are forced to abandon their homes and businesses.
1942 Seattle native Jimi Hendrix is born.
1949 Sea-Tac International Airport is opened.
1951 Washington State Ferries begin service on Puget Sound.
1954 First successful passenger jet, Boeing 707, takes off.
1962 Seattle builds Space Needle and monorail for the World’s Fair.
1966 Boeing builds 747 assembly plant.
1970s Boeing layoffs devastate the local economy.
1971 Starbucks opens its first shop, and the rest is history.
1975 Microsoft is founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque; three years later it moves to Seattle area.
1976 First woman governor of Washington, Dixy Lee Ray, is elected.
1976 The new Seahawks football team plays its first game.
1977 The new Mariners baseball team throws its first pitch.
1979 The Seattle SuperSonics win the NBA Championship.
1999 A World Trade Organization conference in downtown Seattle prompts riots, property damage, and accusations of police misconduct.
2001 The Nisqually Earthquake causes extensive damage to many older Seattle buildings.
2004 Washington elects Christine Gregoire in tightest governor’s race in U.S. history, giving Washington state three women in its powerful political positions—two U.S. senators and the governor.
2005 Smoking is banned in all public places in Washington.
2006 Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz sells the Seattle SuperSonics team to an Oklahoma group after the city refuses to expand the basketball arena or build a new one. This leaves the Sonics’ future in Seattle in doubt.
2007 The Washington state Legislature legalizes same-sex domestic partnerships.
2008 Seattle voters approve $73 million worth of renovations to their beloved but aging Pike Place Market.
2009 The Link light rail station opens at Sea-Tac Airport, providing rapid mass transportation from downtown Seattle to the airport.
2010 A new law makes it a primary offense to text-message or hold a cellphone to your ear while driving.
2010 The Seattle Storm women’s basketball team win their second WNBA championship.
2012[ Washington State legalizes same-sex marriage and possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use.
2013 Works begins on the demolition of Alaskan Way, a 1960s-era freeway that blights the downtown waterfront; a new tunnel will carry traffic and street adjacent to Seattle’s waterfront will eventually be transofmred into a park.
2014 Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos and win the Super Bowl. An estimated 700,000 people celebrate the event at a downtown parade.
