Seattle's Underground City.

By the end of 1889, Seattle had become the largest city in with 40,000 residents. That same year, the Great Seattle Fire resulted in the complete destruction of Pioneer Square.

Fortunately for the neighborhood the economy was strong at the time, so Pioneer Square was quickly rebuilt. The new buildings followed a Romanesque Revival architectural style. Because of drainage problems new development was built at a higher level literally burying the remains of old Pioneer Square. Anticipating the planned regrade, many buildings were built with two entrances, one at the old, low level, and another higher up.

Visitors can take the Seattle Underground Tour to see what remains of the old storefronts.