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Best Historic Locations in Seattle

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It's hard to miss the colorful Hat 'n' Boots structure while riding on the Carleton Avenue in Georgetown. Although it is now relocated in Oxbow Park, this eye-catching attraction was once part of a western-themed Texan gas station, built in the 1950s. While the hat served as a shelter for the gas station, the boots were used as washrooms for the cowgirls and the cowboys. Today, you can visit these quirky historic landmarks, which were restored to its original style in 2010.

The Seattle Center Monorail is the first full scale commercial monorail in the United States. Like the Space Needle, this train is a remnant of the 1962 World's Fair. Riding above ground, it takes passengers on a two-minute ride between two terminals: Westlake Center downtown and Seattle Center. Although short, the trip has nice views of Elliott Bay, downtown and the Capitol Hill area.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks, is a unique and historic location in Seattle. Completed in 1917, this landmark connects the waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Puget Sound. Watching the boats navigate the locks is interesting enough, but the location also hosts an unusual fish ladder that connects salt and freshwater for the local migrating Pacific Salmon. The grounds feature a visitors centre as well as the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.

Come learn about the indigenous people – the Duwamish Tribe – that occupied Seattle thousands of years ago. Admission is free, so it is a great opportunity to educate yourself about those that came before. A small but beautiful museum, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center has educational videos and interesting artifacts for visitors to examine. You may leave the experience with a heavy heart, but you will feel thankful for the experience.

Saint James Cathedral is located in the First Hill area, overlooking downtown Seattle. With its elegant facade and double steeples, the cathedral epitomizes quiet grace. Opened only on selected holy days, the two new bronze ceremonial doors, by renowned German artist Ulrich Henn, tell the story of the great procession of the human family towards the heavenly city. The cathedral holds a full schedule of services. Mass is offered several times a day all week.

When gold was discovered in the Alaskan Klondike, thousands of miners tramped through Seattle on their way to seek their fortunes. Some stayed and made fortunes in other ways including John W. Nordstrom, the founder of Nordstrom department stores. Seattle played a big role in the Gold Rush of 1898, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park tells the story. Located in historic Pioneer Square, the museum depicts the Gold Rush and the impact it had on the fledgling city. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest in the country and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. The public research university has been a pioneering educational institution in the country and attracts not only the best students, but also some of best faculty from around the world. The university's well-manicured grounds are essentially the biggest park in the city. On a clear day, you can soak up views of Mount Rainier from Drumheller Fountain. Central Plaza or Red Square is the heart of the campus, where students flow in and out of Suzzallo Library and ordinary citizens head for the concerts and lectures at Meany and Kane Hall. The entire campus has a cohesive brick look, thanks to the university's insistence on making additions blend in.

This downtown location is the hub for all of the Seattle Public Library branches, and it circulates more than a million books annually. It has a large computer area and a 200-seat auditorium where literary programs, workshops and events for kids are held (all free of charge). Other services include an area to assist deaf, deaf-blind and hard-of-hearing patrons, a genealogy desk for those researching family history, and a writer's room to encourage new writers.

Located one block from Alki Beach, this little museum houses a rotating series of exhibits that focuses on West Seattle, which has been called 'the birthplace of Seattle'. Incorporating fascinating artifacts and charming audio and video presentations, the exhibits strive to combine information on settlers and the native Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. The museum's ongoing oral history project provides a continuing flow of new stories. Events are held monthly for kids and special-interest groups. A small gift shop keeps the same hours as the museum.

As a sleepy suburb of Northwest Seattle, Ballard still remains one of the city's best kept secrets. Some of the major attractions include the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Golden Gardens Park and the Nordic Heritage Museum. If you're here to shop, head down Ballard Avenue and you can check out stores like Lucca, Horseshoe, re-Soul, Ketch and Clover Toys.

Founded in 1892, Fremont Baptist Church is housed in a historic red brick building built in 1924. Erected in 1950, the white sign on the church roof can be seen from the Fremont Bridge as you cross the canal into Fremont. Adult Sunday school is held on Sundays, followed by worship services. Sunday school for children is held during the Sunday service.

Elegance is the word that comes to your mind as you come across this art deco heritage in downtown Seattle. This 27-story tall historic structure was built in the 1920s by the Northern Life Insurance Company, which also housed its offices on the top floors. Tallest in the city at that time, the building glittered with a fantastic display of aura created by the colorful flashlights. Although, today it lies in the shadows of taller and modern skyscrapers, the structure stands out as being one of the first of the art deco structures in Seattle.

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