Downtown Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Elliott Bay

Historical Point of Interest

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 20, 2026

1. Elliott Bay Marker

Inscription. One of the world’s best harbors. Noted by Captain George Vancouver in 1792 and first surveyed by midshipmen, Sam Elliott of the Wilkes Expedition in May 1841. With its depths to 100 fathoms the bay can accommodate the biggest ships. Through the portals of Elliott Bay, Seattle is the gateway to Alaska, the orient, and all the world’s ports. Erected National Maritime Week

Erected 1982 by The Yukon Club and Propeller Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.

Location. 47° 36.311′ N, 122° 20.405′ W. Marker is in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It is in Downtown Seattle. It is at the intersection of Alaskan Way and Seneca Street, on the right when traveling south on Alaskan Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle WA 98101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Colonial Hotel (about 700 feet away); Grand Pacific Hotel (about 700 feet away); Colman Building (about 800 feet away); Beebe Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Holyoke Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alexis Hotel / Globe Building (approx. 0.2 miles

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away); Start of Seattle Fire Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Everett G. DuPen (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seattle.

Other markers no longer nearby. ‘Miike Maru’ (was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); "Ton of Gold" (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed); The Visit of President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet” (was about 800 feet away but has been permanently removed); Joshua Green (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Waterfront History (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. The marker is located between Piers 55 and 56 and just south of Elliott's Oyster House Restaurant.

Also see . . .
1. Captain George Vancouver drops anchor off Elliott Point (future Mukilteo) at midnight on May 30, 179.

At midnight on May 30, 1792, British explorer George Vancouver (1758-1798), sailing on the Discovery, drops anchor at Elliott Point, the site of present-day Mukilteo. The following morning crewmembers from the Discovery disembark
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 20, 2026

2. Elliott Bay Marker
View of marker lookingsouth towards Alaskan Way.
for exploration.

(Submitted on February 28, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

2. Charles Wilkes begins first American survey of Puget Sound on May 11, 1841.

On May 11, 1841, the U.S. Navy ships Vincennes and Porpoise, commanded by Lt. Charles Wilkes (1798-1877), drop anchor in southern Puget Sound, near the mouth of Sequalitchew Creek and the Hudson's Bay Company's Fort Nisqually. Wilkes' crew proceeds to chart Puget Sound and name numerous landmarks, including Elliott Bay. This United States Exploring Expedition marks America's first formal entry into Puget Sound waters.

(Submitted on February 28, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

3. Denny, Boren, and Bell select claims on Elliott Bay marking the beginning of Seattle on February 15,.

On February 15, 1852, Arthur Denny (1822-1899), Carson Boren (1824-1912), and William Bell (1817-1887) select Donation Land claim sites on the eastern portion of Elliott Bay. Most of the original settlers relocate from the settlement of "New York" on Alki Beach in April, and name their new community Duwamps (or Dewamps). This event marks the beginning of the development of Seattle.

(Submitted on February 28, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 20, 2026

3. Elliott Bay Marker

View of marker looking SW towards Pier 55.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.