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Seattle, Washington / History

Cadillac Hotel

A stunning Victorian Italianate brick building from 1889 that now houses the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, detailing Seattle's pivotal role as the gateway to Alaskan gold.

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What is the Cadillac Hotel known for today?

The Cadillac Hotel now serves as the permanent home for the National Park Service's Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, featuring exhibits on the 1897-1898 Yukon gold rush on its ground and first floors.

Where is the Cadillac Hotel located?

It is located at 168 S Jackson St in the Pioneer Square Preservation District of Seattle.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1889, it was one of the first masonry buildings constructed after the Great Fire of 1889. From 1936 until World War II, it was run by Kamekichi and Haruko Tokita before they were forced into incarceration.

What does the architecture look like?

The Cadillac Hotel is a three-story Victorian Italianate brick commercial building.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Cadillac Hotel is a three-story Victorian Italianate brick commercial hotel building situated within the Pioneer Square Preservation District. Built in 1889, it was among the first masonry structures constructed in the city following the devastating Great Fire of 1889. In its early days, the hotel served as affordable housing for the city's growing workforce, reportedly offering lodging for 25 cents a night. Throughout the 20th century, the building witnessed the changing social fabric of Seattle. From 1936 until the onset of World War II, the hotel was operated by Kamekichi and Haruko Tokita, whose tenure ended when the war forced their removal and incarceration. This layer of history adds a poignant dimension to the site's legacy beyond its architectural significance. After falling into decline, the building was purchased by Historic Seattle in 2002 for $2 million. Following a restoration process that was underway in 2004, the building celebrated a grand re-opening in 2005. Today, it is regarded as a hallmark of rehabilitation work within the Pioneer Square National Historic District. Currently, the Cadillac Hotel serves as the permanent home for the National Park Service's Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The ground and first floors feature exhibits that commemorate the 1897-1898 rush to the Yukon gold fields, interpreting how the arrival of the steamship Portland on July 17, 1897, transformed Seattle into a booming gateway to Alaskan gold.

Visitor tips

  • Allow at least an hour to explore the exhibits on the ground and first floors.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the building is located in the cobblestone-heavy Pioneer Square district.
  • Check the National Park Service website for current operating hours before visiting.

Nearby context

Located at 168 S Jackson St, the Cadillac Hotel is a cornerstone of the Pioneer Square Preservation District. It stands as a testament to the city's rapid masonry reconstruction after the 1889 fire, surrounded by other historic commercial buildings that define the oldest neighborhood in downtown Seattle.

Sources

Evidence and links