Seattle: A City With Layers, Literally! How They Built a Metropolis on Top of Another
Seattle, the Emerald City, is known for its grunge music, misty mornings, and yes, even some rain. But beneath the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers lies a hidden gem – a forgotten city, entombed beneath the modern one. Buckle up, history buffs and lovers of the strange, because we're diving into the quirky tale of how they built Seattle...on top of itself!
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| How Did They Build Over Seattle |
The Great Fire of 1889: When Hotcakes Became a Real Problem
Back in 1889, Seattle was a wee little lumber town with a penchant for wooden buildings. Unfortunately, wood and open flames aren't exactly BFFs. One fateful November day, a cow kicked over a lantern (or so the legend goes), and the whole town basically turned into a giant bonfire. In under 24 hours, most of downtown went up in smoke.
But wait, there's more! The fire wasn't the only disaster. Seattle, being a city built on tidelands, had a bit of a flooding problem. High tide often turned the streets into murky canals, which wasn't exactly ideal for keeping your fancy new shoes dry.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
The Regrade: The Dirt on How Seattle Got Higher Ground (Literally)
So, the city fathers (with slightly singed eyebrows) were faced with a dilemma. Rebuild with wood? Not a chance! Move to higher ground? Well, the mountains weren't exactly keen on having a bustling metropolis nestled in their laps. The ingenious solution? Simply elevate the entire city!
Here's the dirt (literally): They built massive retaining walls along the sides of the old streets, essentially creating giant concrete bathtubs. Then, they filled these tubs with who-knows-what (probably a healthy mix of sawdust, crushed dreams, and last week's fish) and voila! A brand new, higher Seattle was born!
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
This grand re-grading project wasn't exactly a walk in the park (unless you were one of the many horses who hauled the dirt). Imagine having to climb a ladder just to get into your favorite saloon! But hey, sacrifices had to be made for flood-proof sidewalks, right?
The Birth of the Seattle Underground: A Secret City Emerges
So, what happened to the old Seattle? Well, it's not gone, it's just...downstairs! The raised streets left the original buildings buried, their storefronts peeking out like entombed giants. This forgotten city, now known as the Seattle Underground, is a fascinating glimpse into Seattle's wild past. You can walk the very paths that pioneers once trod, marvel at old-timey storefronts frozen in time, and maybe even spot a rogue tumbleweed (okay, maybe not that last one).
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
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Frequently Asked History buff Inquiries:
How to visit the Seattle Underground? The Seattle Underground Tour is a must-do for any visitor! Just hop on a tour and prepare to be amazed (and slightly creeped out).
How long did the Great Seattle Fire last? The fire raged for about 27 hours, destroying some 25 blocks of the city.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
How high did they raise the city during the regrade? The streets were raised between one and two stories.
How much of the old Seattle is still down there? Several blocks of the original city are buried beneath the modern streets.
How many times has Seattle been rebuilt? Technically, twice! Once after the Great Fire and again after the 1906 earthquake.
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