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THE HISTORICAL
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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Downtown Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
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Welcome to The Public Market

Pike Place Market

 
 
Welcome to The Public Market Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 8, 2023
1. Welcome to The Public Market Marker
Inscription.
Welcome to downtown Seattle's neighborhood market. Pike Place Market is the city's center for fresh, local produce, specialty food and small independent businesses. Established in 1907 to connect citizens and farmers, the Market continues its "Meet the Producer" tradition with a year-round farmers market, owner-operated bakeries, fish markets, butcher shops, produce stands and specialty food stores. The nine-acre historic district is also home to more than 200 craftspeople, a wide range of unique shops and services, low-income housing and four social service agencies.

Market History
As Seattle's population boomed in the early 20th century, the demand for fresh food grew. Farmers sold their produce to wholesalers who inflated the prices charged to the public. In 1906-1907, produce prices soared, causing public outcry. In response, Seattle City Councilman Thomas Revelle proposed a public market place where farmers could sell directly to citizens. On August 17, 1907, the public market opened. The first farmer sold out of produce within minutes and a lasting legacy was born.

Meet the Producer
The opportunity to "Meet
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the Producer" is the cornerstone of Pike Place Market. From apples to zucchini, our farmers grow everything they sell and take pride in their produce. This tradition also extends to the bakers, butchers, fishmongers, cheesemakers and specialty food purveyors who are dedicated to their craft and are happy to share their knowledge. Meet the artisans in the crafts market and admire the materials and skill applied to each handcrafted item.

Discover the Market
The Market offers endless opportunities to explore and experience. Stop by a produce or farm stand and sample fruit in season. Meet the artisans of the crafts market. Learn about the catch of the day from the fishmongers. Sample new flavors in specialty and ethnic food stores and restaurants. Inhale the aroma of freshly baked bread. Discover delightful treasures in the many independent shops. A community unto itself within downtown Seattle, the Market winds through alleys, streets, stairways and corridors. Take time to wander and let the Market amaze, delight and inspire you.

[Left sidebar highlights]
Market Clock

Installed in 1928, the neon clock and Public Market sign is an
Welcome to The Public Market Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 8, 2023
2. Welcome to The Public Market Marker
enduring icon of Pike Place Market.

Gum Wall
One of the Market's quirkier attractions, the wall was started in the early '90s by Market Theater patrons.

Original Starbucks
The coffee giant opened as a small independent coffee shop in 1971.

Historic District
The district encompasses nine acres, from Pike St. to Viginia St. and 1st Ave. to Western Ave. Explore the many streets and corners of the Market neighborhood!

Market Mystery
The former location of a mortuary, brothel and part of a cemetery, the Market is home to many characters, tales and even a ghost or two.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & CommerceSettlements & SettlersWaterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 17, 1907.
 
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 47° 36.545′ N, 122° 20.466′ W. Marker was in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It was in Downtown Seattle. It was on Pike Place. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1530 Pike Place, Seattle WA 98101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this
Welcome to The Public Market Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 8, 2023
3. Welcome to The Public Market Marker
marker was in Washington’s Puget Sound Region. It was also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it was 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 location: Developing the Market (here, next to this marker); "This Market Is Yours" (within shouting distance of this marker); First Avenue (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Seattle Union Record (about 600 feet away); Seattle Union Record (1918-1928) (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Welcome to The Public Market (about 700 feet away); “Great White Fleet” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Where did this bridge used to go? / Where does this bridge go now? (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seattle.
 
Other markers no longer nearby. Waterfront History (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); The Visit of President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet”
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(was about 800 feet away but has been permanently removed); Joshua Green (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); "Ton of Gold" (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); ‘Miike Maru’ (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
 
More about this marker. The marker has been permanently removed and replaced with a new marker.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 242 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on February 22, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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Jul. 27, 2026