Pioneer Square in Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Why Shelly’s Leg?
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 20, 2026
1. Why Shelly's Leg? Marker
A tragic accident opened the door for Seattle’s gay community.
You are looking at the site of Shelly’s Leg, Seattle’s first openly gay disco. When it opened in 1973, most other gay bars were dark, hidden refugees. But Shelly’s Leg was bright, active, flashy, and welcoming of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. It was the place to be. This openness foreshadowed Seattle’s broadly accepting culture.
[Captions:]
The only physical remnant of Shelly’s Leg is its welcoming sign. See it at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).
Meet Shelly
On July 14, 1970, Shelly Bauman was struck by a wad of beer-soaked confetti from a ceremonial cannon while celebrating near Pioneer Square. She lost her left leg, liver, and part of her intestines, but survived to win a lawsuit for $330,000. She used that money to open Shelly’s Leg.
Fire at the Leg
In 1975, an oil tanker spilled 4,800 gallons off the Alaskan Way Viaduct onto Shelly’s Leg. The fuel exploded, blowing out the front windows and burning more than 30 cars. By the time the bar reopened, the scene had moved on from Pioneer Square. Shelly’s Leg never recovered and closed in 1977.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 47° 36′ N, 122° 20.124′ W. Marker is in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It is in Pioneer Square. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and Alaskan Way South (Washington Route 99/519), on the right when traveling east on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 South Main St, Seattle WA 98104, 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: Ballast Island (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Who Belongs Here? / Violence & Vitriol (about 300 feet away); Earl Layman Street Clock (about 300 feet away); Who landed here? (about 300 feet away); Grand Central Hotel (about 400 feet away); Smith and Squire Buildings (about 400 feet away); Chun Ching Hock (about 400 feet away); What makes a thriving village? (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seattle.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Steamer Idaho Wreckage (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Shelly's Leg (Seattle).
Shelly’s Leg (1973-1977) was Seattle’s first disco, an unapologetically gay establishment that welcomed revelers of every sexuality. It was named after Shelly(Submitted on March 20, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)Bauman, a Florida transplant who, in a tragic accident, lost a leg following a parade mishap in Pioneer Square. When Bauman was awarded a settlement, she provided financial support to friends who transformed an old hotel at 77 S Main Street into the disco. From opening day, Shelly’s Leg was a hit, drawing massive crowds. After more than two years as a Seattle "it" spot, a fire on the nearby Alaskan Way Viaduct blew out the disco’s front windows. The establishment closed for repairs. Renovations could not restore its past glamour, and Shelly’s Leg closed soon after.Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 20, 20262. Why Shelly’s Leg? MarkerView of marker looking NW towards Elliott Bay.
Additional keywords. 🏳️🌈
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 20, 2026
3. Former site of Shelly’s Leg
This brick building and former hotel was the site of Shelly’s Leg in the early 1970s. The marker can be seen to the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 20, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
