Pioneer Square in Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Pioneer Building
| | 1989 Washington State Centennial | |
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, September 13, 2009
1. Pioneer Building Marker
The Pioneer Building is one of the finest and most ornate buildings in the District, characteristic of the Richardsonian Romanesque style prevalent throughout Pioneer Square. Constructed in 1889 on the site of Henry Yeslers first home. This building is the most authentic existing example of the work of architect Elmer Fisher. The heavy rough stone arch at the building entrance is a distinctive trademark of Fishers work in the square. Fisher designed over fifty other buildings in the two years following the Great Fire of 1889.
Erected 1989 by Historic Seattle, Museum of History and Industry, Pioneer Square Businesses, and King County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 47° 36.125′ N, 122° 20.023′ W. Marker is in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It is in Pioneer Square. It can be reached from 1st Avenue north of James Street and Yesler Way. Marker is at the main (west) entrance of the Pioneer Building which is at the eastern edge of the Pioneer Square Park, between
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Puget Sound Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Pioneer Square Pergola (within shouting distance of this marker); How Did Fire Forge the City? (within shouting distance of this marker); Mutual Life Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Merchants Cafe (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Yeslers Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); What do you need to rush for gold? (within shouting distance of this marker); Interurban Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Broderick Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seattle.
Regarding Pioneer Building. This site was designated as a National Historical Landmark on May 5, 1977.
Statement of Significance:
"The Pioneer Building, completed in 1892 and built on the site of the home of one of the city's founding father's, is Richardsonian Romanesque in style. It is one of the best preserved buildings in Pioneer Square, the heart of the commercial district of old Seattle. The Pergola remnant is in the center of the square and is
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, March 27, 2017
2. Pioneer Building Marker
Pioneer Building seen from 1st Avenue across Pioneer Square Park
With historic totem pole (relocated from British Columbia) at center.
Also see . . .
1. Pioneer Square, Seattle. Wikipedia entry:
Links to Pioneer SquareSkid Road Historic District Nation Register of Historic Placed Nomination Form (Submitted on June 4, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Henry Yesler. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on September 16, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Photographed by Wikipedia
3. Pioneer Building - 1900
4. Intersection of 1st Avenue, James Street and Yesler Way (orignally, "Skid Road") - 1917
The Pioneer Building and Pioneer Square Park (with its historic pergola along the sidewalk), left; Seattle Hotel and the Smith Tower, right.
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, December 30, 2012
5. National Historic Landmark plaque
This plaque resides in front of the Pioneer Building and west of the Pioneer Building marker.
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, March 27, 2017
6. Pioneer Building
Both the National Historic Landmark plaque and Pioneer Building marker are located in front of the Pioneer building.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,030 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 16, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2. submitted on August 4, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5, 6. submitted on August 4, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
