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

Pioneer Building, Pergola and Totem Pole

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 21, 2026

1. Pioneer Building, Pergola and Totem Pole Marker

Inscription.
Pioneer Building, Pergola and Totem Pole
Has Been Designated a
National Historic Landmark

This Site Possesses National Significance
In Commemorating the History of the
United States of America

1977
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior

Erected 1977 by National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1977.

Location. 47° 36.125′ N, 122° 20.02′ W. Marker is in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It is in Pioneer Square. It can be reached from Yesler Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Yesler Wy, 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

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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: A different marker also named Pioneer Building (here, next to 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); Merchant’s Cafe (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Yesler’s 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seattle.

Also see . . . National Register of Historic Places Nomination - Inventory Form, 1977. Statement of Significance:

The site of the Pioneer Building was the location of Henry Yesler's (one of the City's founding fathers) home for thirty years. It was deeded to Yesler by Carson D. Boren, another of Seattle's founders, to induce Yesler
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 21, 2026

2. Pioneer Building, Pergola and Totem Pole Marker
Marker is located to the lower left of the main entrance as seen in the photo.
to bring his mill to the city. The Pioneer Building was designed by Elmer Fisher, who was architect for many other Seattle buildings following the 1889 fire. Excavating for this building's foundation was begun prior to that fire, but the building was not completed until 1892. Now considered the city's most significant historic building, the Pioneer Building was the number one prestige office address during the 1890's and early 1900's.

The Pioneer Square Pergola was built in 1909 as a waiting shelter for patrons of the Yesler and James Street cable cars. The design of the cast iron and glass structure, with wrought iron ornamentation, was the result of an architectural competition. It represented further development of this important public space. The ornamental iron columns, capped with ball-type luminaires, provided ventilation for the large underground restroom. The pergola was restored in 1972 through a gift of $150,000 from United Parcel Service, which had its beginnings in the Pioneer Square area. The restoration Included the totem pole, grass area, iron fences and benches of the park.

The totem pole in Pioneer Square has
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 21, 2026

3. Pioneer Building
a long and checkered career. The original pole was stolen from Tlingit Indians on Tongass Island, Alaska, by leading Seattle citizens on a Chamber of Commerce excursion. It was donated by them to the City and was unveiled at this location on October 10, 1899, as a memento of the Alaska Gold Rush. However, the Indians from who it was stolen filed charges and the U.S. Marshal arrested the guilty members of the excursion party. Though the Indians asked $20,000 damages, the case was quashed in court. The guilty parties were fined $500, and the City retained the pole. In 1938, the original pole was burned in a fire set by vandals. At that time the remains were shipped to Alaska and a reproduction was carved by Indian craftsmen. With official tribal blessings, the new pole was dedicated at a Potlatch Celebration.

(Submitted on September 5, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 21, 2026

4. Pergola

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, February 21, 2026

5. Totem Pole

Pioneer Square with Totem Pole image. Click for full size.

Calvin F. Todd (courtesy University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections), circa 1915

6. Pioneer Square with Totem Pole

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 5, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. 6. submitted on September 6, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.