What secrets does this waterfront hold? We’re standing where Pier 1 once stood in Seattle. Pier 1 was a vital shipping terminal. It played a significant role in the city’s maritime history.
Pier 1 was situated at the foot of Washington Street. It sat between Pier A and Pier 2. These piers formed a bustling hub of activity. They connected Seattle to the world.
Built between 1901 and 1904, Pier 1 replaced Yesler’s Wharf. The Luckenbach Steamship Co. was its first tenant. They offered intercoastal service. The Alaska Steam Ship Company soon followed. They shared the pier with other lines. These included the Port Angeles-Victoria Line. Also the Vancouver Line.
By 1917, the Northern Pacific Railway owned Pier 1. Several companies operated from it. These were the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company. Also the Pacific-Alaska Navigation Co. And the Port Angeles Transportation Co. The port warden also had their headquarters here. Pier 1 measured 840 by 120 feet. The warehouse was 840 by 100 feet. It held a cargo capacity of 20,000 tons. Twenty railway cars could load at once. The pier featured adjustable slips. Modern waiting rooms and offices were available. The water depth was 40 feet at low tide.
In the late 1940s, the Alaska Steamship Co. relocated to Pier 42. Nippon Yusen Kaisha then used Pier 1. Their ship, the Hikawa Maru, called here until 1960. It was the only Japanese passenger ship to survive WWII. By 1971, Seattle Piers, Inc. owned or operated the pier. There was a proposal to build a World Trade Center here. This would be together with Pier 51. But the center was built elsewhere.
Sadly, Pier 1 was torn down in the early 1980s. This was to expand the Washington State Ferries terminal at Pier 52.
Today, the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier is planned for replacement. The current pier has been closed since 2016 due to safety concerns. A new pier is planned within the footprint of the current pier. This minimizes environmental impact. Planned amenities include benches. Also shore power for squid fishing lights. Public input is being sought for the new design. A final design is scheduled for late 2025.
Though Pier 1 is gone, its story remains. It echos through Seattle’s waterfront. Remember its role in shaping the city. Consider the ships, cargo, and people that passed through here. They all contributed to Seattle’s vibrant history.