Reshaping Seattle: How Topography Shaped the Emerald City's History

Seattle's landscape, shaped by its last Ice Age, presents a topography of parallel ridges and valleys, making it a challenging environment for urban development. This geologic foundation has significantly influenced Seattle's growth and development, leading to ambitious projects that have reshaped the city's landscape. David B. Williams, an author, naturalist, and tour guide, delves into these monumental efforts in his presentation, "Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle's Topography," hosted by Sno-Isle Libraries. Williams' exploration offers a fascinating look into how human ambition and natural forces have intertwined to shape the Emerald City.

The Duwamish River Tide Flats

The early settlers in Seattle faced the challenge of utilizing the tide flats of the Duwamish River. Initially, these flats were either submerged under water or exposed as mudflats depending on the tide, making them difficult to use. Over time, settlers began filling these flats, transforming them into solid land for development. This project added approximately 2,000 acres of new land to Seattle, significantly altering its coastal landscape. Similar land reclamation efforts have been seen in cities like Boston and San Francisco, but Seattle's use of sand and some garbage for filling makes its endeavor unique.

The Lake Washington Ship Canal

Another significant project was the construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, linking freshwater Lake Washington with the saltwater of Elliott Bay. This ambitious project, first proposed in 1854, faced the challenge of connecting bodies of water at different elevations. By 1916, the canal was complete, fundamentally altering the region's hydrology and landscape. This project not only facilitated maritime commerce but also permanently changed the water flow, impacting local ecosystems.

The Denny Regrade

Perhaps the most dramatic alteration of Seattle's topography was the Denny Regrade project, which involved the removal of an entire hill. Starting in the late 19th century, this project sought to level Denny Hill to facilitate urban expansion. Over several phases, millions of cubic yards of material were removed using hydraulic giants and, later, excavation equipment. This material was then dumped into Elliott Bay, creating new land but also impacting the marine environment. The Denny Regrade exemplifies the lengths to which Seattleites were willing to go to shape their city's landscape.

The Impact of These Projects

These projects reflect a period in Seattle's history where altering the landscape was seen as essential for the city's growth and development. The transformation of the tide flats, the construction of the ship canal, and the removal of Denny Hill have left lasting marks on Seattle, both physically and culturally. However, as Williams points out, today's challenges, such as seismic risks and climate change, require a different approach. The focus has shifted from altering the landscape to adapting to it, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between Seattle and its natural surroundings.

Williams' exploration of these monumental projects offers a unique lens through which to view Seattle's history. It underscores how the city's development has been shaped by both human ambition and the constraints and opportunities presented by its natural landscape. As Seattle continues to evolve, this interplay between people and place remains a central theme in its story.

For more information and insights, check out David B. Williams' presentation on Sno-Isle Libraries' YouTube channel: Too High and Too Steep.