Where can one find a ghost in Seattle? Down by the waterfront there is a famous neon red sign which reads, “Public Market Center.” It’s easy to find and a good location to start ghost hunting.
Pike Place Market officially opened on August 17, 1907 and is the oldest continually operated public market in the United States. This popular tourist stop sports a variety of small farmers, crafts people, and merchants, including the world famous seafood stand where fish fly. However, some tourists seek the history and reminders of a forgotten time. These explorers have a mission. They’re ghost hunting.
Many ghost stories surround the market. While the stories featured in this article highlights some of the most popular haunts, there are many more stories out there.
Perhaps the best known, active ghost at the market is a Duwamish Indian Princess. Born Kikisoblu, she was the eldest daughter of Chief Seattle and nicknamed Princess Angeline by the white settlers. By the 1850s the government was pushing Native Americans to leave the Seattle area. Despite her father’s position, she remained in Seattle and supported herself by selling items to visitors of the area, such as woven baskets and native handcrafts. By the time she passed away, the town’s people loved the princess and some say she loved Seattle so much, she never left. While traveling to the market, keep an eye out for Princess Angeline. Visitors to the market often report seeing an old woman dressed like a Native American sitting on the floor and displaying woven baskets. However, by the time they approach her, she vanishes into thin air.
Frank Goodwin, developer of the original Pike Place Market had a nephew who now likes to haunt the market. Arthur Goodwin helped his uncle in the development and held a job as the market director from 1918-1941. It was common practice for Arthur to be spotted watching over the workers in the market or greeting customers at the door. Some believe he still watches over the market and can be seen looking out from his old office window. He is also known to introduce himself and greet customers as he would have while he was alive.
A spirit known as, “The Fat Lady Barber” stems from the tale of an overweight barber who lulled her customers to sleep with a song and then picked their pockets stealing their money and valuables. The story states that before the renovations in the 1970s, she fell through the floor and died. Today workers say they can hear lullabies being sung.
In 1918, a Spanish flu epidemic struck Seattle killing thousands. One victim was a boy named Jacob who was around the age of eight. People believe Jacob resides at the Merry Tales toy store, which seems a fitting spot for a young boy who is very mischievous. The store owner felt so threatened by the young boy that he had a room built with a bed to comfort the young spirit.
While Seattle is a young city, it is also very haunted. The area once thrived with a Native American population, and perhaps many burial grounds which are now at the base of buildings and structures. Also consider the Seattle Underground. As the Great Seattle Fire destroyed 31 blocks, only one life was lost. However, this created a city built on a city and miles of underground buildings which sit abandoned and inviting to restless spirits. There are plenty of reasons for spirits to linger around the Pike Place Market.
Pike Place Market haunted or not haunted? Visit the market today and discover for yourself.
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