Cemeteries of Seattle: Exploring the Silent Stories

Seattle, known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and thriving technology scene, is also home to a hidden world of history and reflection - its cemeteries. These sacred grounds hold the stories of countless lives that have shaped the city's past. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the cemeteries of Seattle, exploring the rich heritage and architectural beauty they offer.

The History Behind Seattle's Cemeteries

As Seattle grew from a tiny settlement in the mid-1800s to the bustling city it is today, cemeteries became an essential part of its ever-evolving landscape. The earliest cemeteries were established in the mid-1800s by various religious and ethnic groups. They served as final resting places for early pioneers, Native Americans, and immigrants who flocked to the city in search of opportunity.

Over time, as the city expanded, several cemeteries were relocated, resulting in a handful of prominent ones that have stood the test of time. These cemeteries not only provide space for burial but also serve as outdoor museums, preserving the history, art, and cultural heritage of Seattle.

Cemeteries of Seattle (Images of America)

by Robin Shannon(Kindle Edition)

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Exploring Seattle's Cemetery Gems

1. Lake View Cemetery: Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Lake View Cemetery is one of Seattle's most renowned cemeteries. Its picturesque setting offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Lake Washington. The tombstones and mausoleums here represent a wide range of architectural styles, from Victorian to Art Deco.

2. Evergreen Washelli Cemetery: Situated in North Seattle, Evergreen Washelli Cemetery spans over 100 acres of meticulously maintained grounds. It is the final resting place for many prominent figures in Seattle's history, including Bruce Lee and his son Brandon Lee. The cemetery also features stunning monuments, gardens, and an onsite museum.

3. Calvary Cemetery: This historic Catholic cemetery, located in Northeast Seattle, holds a significant place in the city's religious and cultural landscape. Established in 1889, Calvary Cemetery is known for its beautiful chapel, intricate statues, and extensive collection of stained glass windows.

4. Mount Pleasant Cemetery: Nestled in the Rainier Valley neighborhood, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Seattle. It is a testament to the cultural diversity of the city, with sections dedicated to different ethnic communities. The cemetery's serene atmosphere and unique grave markers tell stories of the past.

The Art and Architecture of Seattle's Cemeteries

Seattle's cemeteries are not just about burial plots and headstones; they are an art lover's paradise. Many of these cemeteries boast stunning sculptures, intricate carvings, and captivating mausoleums that showcase the craftsmanship of the past.

In Lake View Cemetery, you can find the famous statue of Chief Seattle, a Native American leader after whom the city is named. This sculpture serves as a reminder of the city's roots and the indigenous cultures that shaped its history.

Evergreen Washelli Cemetery offers an impressive collection of options for memorialization, including life-sized statues, stained glass windows, and mosaic artworks. The cemetery's picturesque landscapes add to the overall serene ambiance, providing a tranquil space for contemplation.

Preserving Seattle's Rich Heritage

Seattle's cemeteries are not just places of mourning; they are also repositories of history and culture. They serve as intricate tapestries, woven with the life stories of individuals who have played a part in shaping the city we know today.

Efforts are underway to document and preserve the gravesites, sculptures, and architectural wonders within these cemeteries. Online platforms have emerged, allowing people to explore and learn about the history of Seattle through virtual tours and interactive maps.

Through these initiatives, Seattle's cemeteries are becoming more than resting places for the deceased; they are becoming a living testament to the diverse and captivating stories that make up the fabric of the city.

Seattle's cemeteries offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the past. From the historical significance of their establishment to the stunning art and architecture they showcase, these burial grounds hold a wealth of stories waiting to be discovered.

Next time you find yourself in Seattle, take a moment to visit one of these cemeteries and immerse yourself in the silent stories that unfold within. You'll be amazed at the beauty and heritage that lies beneath the peaceful veneer of these final resting places.

Cemeteries of Seattle (Images of America)

by Robin Shannon(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28807 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

A fascinating story exists just below Seattle�s surface, buried in the city�s many historic cemeteries. Founded in 1872 on land acquired from Doc Maynard, Lake View Cemetery holds the remains of one of Seattle�s favorite sons, Bruce Lee, whose son Brandon Lee is buried beside him. Maynard is also buried here, along with most of the Seattle pioneers, including the Dennys, Borens, Maynards, Yeslers, and Morans. Princess Angeline, Chief Sealth�s daughter, was buried here in a canoe-shaped coffin, and Madame Damnable�s remains supposedly turned to stone. Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery, founded in 1884 by the Denny family, contains Judge Thomas Burke, known as �the man who built Seattle�; a Veterans� Memorial Cemetery dating from the Civil War; and two cannons from the USS Constitution, famously nicknamed �Old Ironsides.� Mount Pleasant Cemetery, founded in 1883 in Queen Anne, is the final resting place of the labor martyrs of the Everett Massacre and William Bell, of Belltown fame. Remembrance benches for Nirvana�s Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix�s memorial are also local landmarks.