Beneath the bustling streets of modern Seattle lies a hidden time capsule—a remnant of the city’s past known as the Seattle Underground. This eerie and fascinating subterranean world reveals an older Seattle, now shrouded in dust, rats, and tales of restless spirits.
The story of the Underground begins with the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which destroyed much of the city’s original downtown area. In the aftermath, the city decided to rebuild using stone and brick, raising the streets two stories higher to mitigate flooding issues caused by tidal waters. As a result, entire blocks of the original city were left buried below, forgotten by many as the new Seattle grew above it.
For decades, the Underground served as a hub for Seattle’s seedier activities. In the early 20th century, it was notorious for housing gambling halls, opium dens, and brothels, creating a shadowy underworld that operated in parallel with the bustling city above. By the mid-century, however, the Underground had largely fallen into disuse, becoming a forgotten and decaying relic of the past.
In 1965, a local historian and entrepreneur named Bill Speidel saw an opportunity to breathe new life into this neglected piece of Seattle’s history. He began leading tours through the Underground, sharing stories of its past glories and infamies. What started as a quirky venture has grown into one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors intrigued by its historical and paranormal appeal.
Today, the Seattle Underground offers a unique glimpse into the city’s layered history. Guided tours take visitors through the remnants of old storefronts, sidewalks, and alleyways, revealing the fascinating tales of the people and events that shaped the early city. Alongside the historical intrigue, there are plenty of spine-tingling ghost stories to add to the experience. While the Underground now mostly serves as access points to the buildings above and a home to a few rodents, spiders and ghosts, it remains an unforgettable destination for anyone exploring Seattle.
for more info: http://www.undergroundtour.com/
