What Is the Name of the Famous Market in Seattle?
Hands down, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's crown jewels. Opened in 1907, this ebullient public market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the country. As such, Pike Place Market sees over 10 million visitors each year—not just the top attraction in Seattle but one of the most frequented places in the world, ranking as the 33rd most visited attraction in the world.
A Rich History
The Market's history dates back to 1907 when, under Seattle City Council President Thomas Revelle, a council passed an ordinance establishing a public farmers' market on Pike Place. On August 17, 1907, tent pitching was done by a few farmers, and fresh produce was sold to rather excited Seattleites. The market picked up within no time, in that by 1909, 64 farmers were selling per day and 300,000 visitors per month.
Over the next decade, Pike Place Market underwent enormous growth and improvements. By 1915, the market had more than 150 farmers selling every day, though the numbers swelled during the late summer and fall harvests. It was Frank Goodwin, owner of the adjacent Leland Hotel, who did so much to expand the market, sensing vast business potential and investing heavily in surrounding properties.
An Institution of Seattle
Today, Pike Place Market is nine acres around the Seattle waterfront. More than 500 shops, vendors, restaurants, and bars call this multilevel space home. Beyond the fresh-from-the-farm produce and artisanal cheeses, visitors will find handmade jewelry and other unique souvenirs.
Probably the most famous attraction within this market is Pike Place Fish Market, with its lively fish-throwing ritual by energetic employees. Then, when one orders a fish here, one of the workers from the ice-covered fish table hurls it across the counter to another who catches and preps it for sale—a rather entertaining spectacle for visitors.
Preserving the Legacy
Pike Place Market was slated for demolition in the early 1960s, which had been prospective for urban renewal. The architect and activist Victor Steinbrueck and his group of supporters—the Friends of the Market—managed to have the area declared a seven-acre historic district, thus sparing this market district from the development of offices and a parking facility.
In 1971, Seattle voters approved Initiative 1, which established the Pike Place Market Historical District and a review commission to consider any proposed changes, including demolitions, within the boundaries of the district. This was a defining moment for the preservation of the market and it ultimately ensured that renovation could take place in the future.
The Lively Community Center
But more than just a tourist trap, Pike Place Market's part of the fabric that is Seattle. More than 450 residents call it home through low-income housing, and five human service programs are held throughout the area. All this, too, is made possible in part by visitors' donations to the Pike Place Market Foundation for funding some of those exact services.
It's also an incubator of small, independent businesses. Pike Place Market has provided an avenue for farmers, craftspeople, chefs, and entrepreneurs to be able to sell their products or their expertise.
Plan Your Visit
At Pike Place Market, open 363 days a year, prepare for a multisensory experience unlike any other. For both locals and visitors alike, wandering through the twisted alleys of the market, haggling with friendly vendors, and tasting the diversity of flavors is an unforgettable little adventure.
Finally, if you wish to take this visit experience to the ultimate level of experience, consider the option that join one of the guided tours, which is going to explain and show you so much. These options include food-focused tours, where visitors go around savoring the culinary magic of this market, and historical tours that date far back in time.
As you stroll along Pike Place Market, let it be a beacon for Seattle in the way resilience, creativity, and community come together. This lively public market has faced the ages—evolving, adapting—and also remained very true to its roots as a gathering place for everyone.
