Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for Fortson Square / Parcel ID / Inv #

Historic Name: Fortson Square Common Name: Fortson Square Style: Other Neighborhood: Pioneer Square Built By: Year Built: 1901   Significance In the opinion of the survey, this property is located in a potential historic districe (National and/or local). Fortson Square was dedicated in 1901 in honor of Captain George Hayley Fortson of the United States Navy and other Seattle war dead, who were killed in the Philippines during the Spanish American War. Captain Fortson, wounded in a skirmish at the Pasig Delta Campaign, died on March 27m 1898. Captain Fortson’s widow, Minnie Frye was a member of the George Frye family and the square is located west of the former Frye Hotel (behind the Campbell Fuller Building. The Don Sherwood Files document an area in Fortson Square that was planted and subsequently paved, possibly in 1907. Around 1908, a weather station was built at that location. In 1928-1929, the Second Avenue Extension, a public works project, cut a swath from Yesler Way to past Jackson Street. It may also have been responsible for ensuring the triangular shape of Fortson Square. In 1968, the same area was again planted and five lamps were installed. Major changes and additions were made in 1999. During the last decade at least, Fortson Square has become a particularly depressed area. Efforts by local Pioneer Square organizations have been made to improve Fortson Square, with artists’ live/work housing and a revitalization of Fortson Square itself. Artist Elizabeth Conner and landscape architect Cliff Willwerth of WCA Landscape Architects have redesigned Fortson Square, adding a “sculptural ruin” to enliven it. This was completed around 1999.   Appearance This is a triangular public square located west of the Leighton Center/Harbor Lofts and the Campbell Fuller Building. While original elements of the square’s landscaping do not remain, the buildings that front the square remain the same, despite changes to their exteriors over the years. During the late Twentieth Century (around 1999), the square was redesigned and a “sculptural ruin” added.

Detail for Fortson Square / Parcel ID / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Site District Status: NR, LR Cladding(s): Foundation(s): Roof Type(s): Roof Material(s): Building Type: Landscape - Plaza Plan: Triangular Structural System: Other No. of Stories: Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Community Planning/Development Integrity Changes to Plan: Moderate Major Bibliographic References Chin, Art. "Golden Tassels: A History of the Chinese in Washington, 1857-1977. Seattle: Art Chin, 1977. Andrews, Mildred et al, Pioneer Square: Seattle's Oldest Neighborhood. Manuscript.Seattle and London: University of Washington Press, forthcoming 2005. Erb, George. “Chopp Seeks Better Ties to Seattle Business.” Puget Sound Business Journal, 15 January 1999. Wilma, David. “Philippine war dead buried on February 8, 1900.” HistoryLink.org, 8 October 1999 & 2 December 2002. Database on-line. Available from http://www.historylink.org/ "Union Station Square." Sherwood History Files, Seattle Parks and Recreation. 1972-77. Database on-line. Available from www.CityofSeattle.ne/parks/history/sherwood.atm.

Photo collection for Fortson Square / Parcel ID / Inv #

Photo taken Dec 08, 2004