First Hill

Atop a prominent rise overlooking Seattle’s bustling heart lies First Hill. It’s not just any hill. It’s *the* First Hill, the first incline encountered when journeying east from downtown toward the shimmering expanse of Lake Washington. First Hill earned its name honestly. It was the first significant rise pioneers and settlers encountered as they moved eastward from Elliott Bay. First Hill quickly became a desirable residential area in the late 19th century. Its proximity to downtown offered convenience while its elevated position provided a sense of retreat from the city’s growing clamor. Among the elite who called First Hill home were figures like Judge Cornelius Hanford, businessman Granville O. Haller, and even William Boeing, the aviation pioneer himself. Interestingly, before it became known for its medical facilities, First Hill had another, more colorful nickname: Profanity Hill. The first King County Courthouse was built here in the late 1800s. Attorneys, burdened by the steep climb from their downtown offices, frequently cursed the arduous trek, thus christening it Profanity Hill. This moniker eventually faded, replaced by the now-familiar “Pill Hill,” a nod to the numerous hospitals and medical centers that now define the area. First Hill is home to institutions like Harborview Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, and Virginia Mason Medical Center. It also houses the Puget Sound Blood Center, making it a veritable hub for healthcare in the region. While the courthouse has long since moved, its legacy remains a quirky footnote in First Hill’s rich history. Today, amidst the hospitals and medical buildings, you’ll also find educational institutions like Seattle University, a private Jesuit university, and several historic churches, each contributing to the unique tapestry of First Hill.