Spur Line

Across the shimmering waters of Lake Union, the Spur Line whispers tales of Seattle’s past. This isn’t just a path. It’s a living artwork by Maggie Smith, a tribute to the railroad that once bustled along these shores. The Spur Line stretches for 1.6 miles along the western edge of Lake Union. It’s a journey through time, marked by engraved steel plaques, embedded rails, and benches crafted from salvaged railroad ties. These elements weave a story of a grittier era. A time when industry thrived on the lakeshore, and the railroad was the lifeblood of the community. The plaques share glimpses into the lives of railroaders, boaters, shipwrights, and laborers who called this area home. They tell of houseboat residents who navigated the tracks daily, and thirsty patrons who climbed over rail cars to reach their favorite lakeside bar. The Spur Line seamlessly blends into its modern surroundings. Yet it evokes memories of a century of vibrant, sometimes chaotic activity. The path itself follows the old Northern Pacific right of way. It’s a reminder of the competition for space and resources, the clash between industry and community. The artwork starts near the southwest corner of Lake Union. As you walk north, you encounter ten distinct locations where the Spur Line’s story unfolds. Look closely for the steel plaques. They offer snapshots of a bygone era, capturing the spirit of a time when the railroad was a constant presence. Even the fencing incorporates salvaged rail, a subtle nod to the past. The Spur Line ends quietly, almost without notice. It leaves you to ponder the vanished remnants of the old railroad. The switch stand on Mercer and Westlake, the team tracks, the Terry Avenue Freight House – all gone. But under the Aurora Bridge, a hidden treasure awaits. A few yards of rusted track cling to decaying pilings, a final whisper of the past. In the quiet, you might almost hear the echoes of boxcars and gondolas. They carry the sounds of a long time ago, the ghosts of Seattle’s railroad past.