“Whispers of the past linger here in Broadview.” This northwestern Seattle neighborhood boasts stunning views and a rich history. Let’s uncover some secrets of Broadview.
Broadview got its name from its panoramic views. You can see Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from its steep, westerly hillsides. Imagine farmers arriving here after the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. They floated their goods to Seattle via Puget Sound. Roads were nonexistent then. Later, logging became a major industry in Broadview.
Broadview wasn’t always part of Seattle. It only annexed into the city on January 1, 1954. Because it developed before annexation, many minor streets lack sidewalks. Keep that in mind as we explore.
Broadview is bordered by Puget Sound to the west. Shoreline lies to the north. Greenwood Avenue N marks the eastern boundary, separating it from Bitter Lake. Carkeek Park sits to the south.
Notice the bluff on Broadview’s western edge. The BNSF Railway mainline runs below it along Puget Sound. Broadview Creek flows through the neighborhood. It travels 2600 feet from Northsite Road into Puget Sound.
Carkeek Park is a major attraction. It occupies the southwest corner of Broadview. Pipers Creek runs through the park. Llandover Woods Greenspace is another natural gem. It features old-growth forests and habitats for owls, eagles, and mountain beavers. The city acquired it in 1995.
Don’t miss the Dunn Gardens. They were designed in 1915 by the Olmsted Brothers. They also designed many of Seattle’s major parks. Public tours are available. Volunteers maintain the gardens.
The Broadview Library is a vital community resource. It opened on January 3, 1955. It replaced an earlier King County Library System branch. The library has been renovated and expanded over the years.
Broadview has a population of approximately 13,000. It is a predominantly residential area.
But Broadview’s history isn’t all peaceful parks and libraries. During prohibition, Broadview had a lively bootlegging scene. Rumrunners smuggled liquor from Canada. They landed on beaches north of Seattle. The “loot” was then transported through Broadview woods. One house, used by bootleggers, burned down when a basement still exploded.
One Broadview bootlegger, Mr. Melby, opened Melby’s tavern after prohibition ended. It is still open today as Woody’s tavern.
Playland Amusement Park was once a major attraction near Bitter Lake. It operated from 1930 to 1961. People came from all over to ride the Dipper.
Broadview offers a blend of natural beauty and community spirit. Its history is rich with stories of farmers, loggers, and even bootleggers. Take a moment to appreciate the views and imagine the generations who have called Broadview home.