A little history about this great tourist attraction, at the turn of the century, Seattle was a rough and tumble place and a rapidly growing city. As the population of gold rushers, loggers, fishermen, shipbuilders and merchants grew, so did the demand for produce and goods from the city’s neighboring farms. In the decade of 1890-1900, Seattle’s population nearly doubled, growing from 42,000 to 80,000 citizens.
Farmers brought their vegetables, fruit, milk, dairy, eggs and meat to the city by horse drawn wagons and by ferry from the nearby islands. The goods were purchases by wholesalers, who sold the goods at a commission at warehouses on Western Ave. In this system, farmers occasionally made a profit but increasingly only broke even or lost money.
In 1906-1907, the price of produce—onions namely—soared, leaving the farmers none the richer and the citizens angry over the price gouging. The uproar led one local official to try to find a solution. In the summer of 1907, Seattle City Councilman Thomas Revelle proposed the city create a public market place where farmers and consumers could meet directly to sell and buy goods and thereby sidelining the wholesalers.
On the public market’s first day, August 17, 1907, crowds of shoppers seeking fresh produce and bargains descended upon the new marketplace. The first farmer sold out of produce within minutes. Within a week, 70 wagons were gathering daily to sell along the newly named Pike Place, a wooden roadway that connected First St. to Western Ave.
When the maze of aging buildings was slated for demolition in the 1960s, architect Victor Steinbrueck rallied Seattle to “Save the Market.” Voters approved a 17-acre historic district on November 2, 1971, and the City of Seattle later established the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority to rehabilitate and manage the Market’s core buildings.
–Pikeplacemarket.org
Pike place market has a very rich history and it is one of the oldest operating farmer’s markets. It offers fresh produce, unique foods, and special handmade crafts to would defiantly peak your interest! The market overlooks the beautiful Elliott Bay and is centrally located in downtown Seattle. There are many reasons why thousands of people visits each year one of the most popular attractions that brings visitors from near and far would have is the world famous fish market! Where fishmongers throw back and forth they are entertaining people and memorable experience for those just passing by! Be sure to be you are paying attention you might get a surprise from a kiss from a fish. If you love to shop Pikes Place Market is the place for you it has a vast array of different vendors that sell many types of special handmade products including fashion wearable’s, crafted ceramics, jewelry and much more. The Market’s year-round seasonal produce is a great addition for any meal.
Pikes Place market is wonderful attraction for the young to the old; it offers so much for so little. The shops, food, restaurants and the views provide the visitors a fun, engaging experience but memories that last forever!
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