We study geography: where is Seattle?

Evergreen, Royal, Emerald - all these are unofficial names for Seattle. USA - the country where Seattle is located, can boast of huge megacities. It would seem that, against their backdrop, a tiny town, inhabited by only 700,000 people, is simply lost. Nevertheless, this is one of the most paradoxical cities in North America.

Geography and climate

The city-port is located on the north-west coast of the country, in the state of Washington. He took a strip of land between the lake and the bay. The terrain is hilly, and next to the Olympic Mountains, which do not protect the city from the rains. On the coast, where Seattle is located, the sea climate prevails. Winter is usually mild, and summer is cool. Because of the abundant rainfall, Seattle was called the city of rains.

City `s history

The group of the first European settlers led by Arthur Denny set foot on these lands in 1851. Apparently, they had serious ambitions, as the settlement received the proud title of "New York Alki" - "Future New York". A few years later, in honor of the leader of the local tribes, he was renamed "Seattle". Under that name, he went down in history.

The extraction of wood gave a powerful start to the development of Seattle, very soon it grew into a small town. But there were two difficulties. The first is quite predictable: wooden houses were defenseless before fires. The second one was poor sewerage. During the tides, all the impurities rose upward and poured out of the toilet bowls. Then the city literally drowned in the mud. Radical measures were required. The impetus for them was a strong fire in the late XIX century. None of the residents were hurt, but almost 25 blocks burned to the ground.

The authorities decided to raise the city to the second floor, and on the first to make a normal sewage system. And houses were built from stone to avoid the threat of fires. At first the inhabitants moved between the floors along steep stairs. Unfortunately, there were accidents, so it was decided to close the entrance to the first level. So, where is the city of Seattle? That's right, in the old city of Seattle.

Features of the city

In the center of the city tourists have the impression that they were transferred to a metropolis with skyscrapers. But it's worth going a little further, as a quiet private sector begins. However, even in the central part is always calm and noiseless.

At first glance, nothing stands out for the region where Seattle is located. In the US, many cities with skyscrapers and wharves. A large-scale restructuring led to the fact that there are almost no historical buildings. But the inhabitants did not want to dwell in a boring gray city, and they themselves began to decorate it. Creative art objects overflow Seattle. A metal tree grows in the park, a nosed troll "lodges" under the bridge, a rocket is about to start from the roof of one of the houses, and the tired waiters do not "wait" for the transport. And this is not counting a lot of strange figures.

Space Needle

The visiting card of the northwest coast of the USA, where Seattle is located, is the Space Needle tower, or the "Space Needle". It resembles a huge flying saucer, comfortably landed on the roof of the building. It was erected specially for the international exhibition in 1962. The author of the idea is Edward Carlson.

The height of the tower is more than 180 meters. Not surprisingly, at an altitude of 159 meters there is an observation deck, where visitors are lifted by 3 elevators. From here you can see not only the city, but also the favorite volcano Rainier, beloved by the locals. A few meters below there is a restaurant. Seattle, where the "Space Needle" is located, will surprise (perhaps scare) the guests. Only from the tower can be seen the famous illusion created by Marlin Petterson. On the roof of one of the buildings he painted two giant spiders that look like living. It seems that they are hiding, looking for another victim, and just about pounce on passers-by.

Farmer's Market

Seattle, where there are so many unusual attractions, has another property. The center of urban life is centered on America's largest farming market. Its dimensions are huge, and the tourist alone can not figure it out. The gastroguid will come to the rescue. He will talk about the local cuisine, advise the best treats (and seafood is very popular in Seattle), and without queue will spend in the necessary stalls or eateries. By the way, here you will be offered to play a funny game: to throw a fish. This is a kind of "fish volleyball". Where did this entertainment come from? Just sellers were too lazy to constantly go around the counter.

A few more interesting facts

• Only 1 km from the city, amazing landscapes begin. Emerald lakes, which gave Seattle a poetic unofficial name, wild forests, waterfalls, and of course Mount Rainier. The sleeping volcano is covered with snow all year round. Local people are happy to spend time here.
• Tourists will be interested in the glass museum. It presents glass plants of bizarre shapes. The idea belongs to the master Dale Chihuly, whose works are adorned with museums around the world.
• On Lake Union there is a whole town of floating houses. They are used as hotels. Houseboats are moored to the shore, like real ships. And housing here is considered the most elite in the city.
• The country where Seattle is located has something to be proud of. A small town gathered amazing sights, which largely compensates for the absence of ancient buildings. Everything here is new and bright.