Downtown Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
"Ton of Gold"
Historical Point of Interest
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 13, 2011
1. "Ton of Gold" Marker
The famous Ton of Gold that started the Alaska Gold Rush was unloaded here in 1897. The SS Portland landed the valuable cargo at this pier then known as Scwabacher Dock.
Erected 1957.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 47° 36.415′ N, 122° 20.499′ W. Marker was in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It was in Downtown Seattle. It could be reached from Akaskan Way, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1300 Alaskan Way, Seattle WA 98101, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this 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: "This Market Is Yours" (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Avenue (about 700 feet away); Elliott Bay (about 700 feet away); Developing the Market (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonial Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Pacific Hotel
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Visit of President Theodore Roosevelts Great White Fleet (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Miike Maru (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Joshua Green (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Waterfront History (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Welcome to The Public Market (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This marker, along with a number of other historical markers, were removed during the major "Waterfront Seattle" reconstruction project, which included replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct and seawall with a new park. The project began in 2013 with the seawall construction and tunnel boring. While significant portions opened throughout the early 2020s, the main, comprehensive transformation wasn't officially completed until 2025.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 13, 2011
2. "Ton of Gold" Marker
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 20, 2026
3. Missing marker location
A panoramic view of the area where the marker once resided. The location is currently home to a large playground.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,292 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on February 23, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
