Where is the memorial located?

The memorial is located at Fishermen's Terminal in Ballard at 3919 18th Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119, standing between Docks 8 and 9.

What does the monument look like?

The monument features a 30-foot bronze and granite column flanked by two granite walls, which include bronze plaques listing the names of local commercial fishers lost at sea.

When was it established?

The monument was designed in 1987 and dedicated on October 8, 1988.

Are there any special events held here?

An annual memorial service is held on the first Sunday of May to honor those who died pursuing their livelihood and to add new names to the plaques.

What should I check before going?

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

Seattle Fishermen's Memorial in Seattle

Q: What is the Seattle Fishermen's Memorial known for?

It is a bronze and stone monument that serves as a place of reverence, recognition, and healing for the families of local commercial fishermen and women who have died in their work since the turn of the century.

What to know

The Seattle Fishermen's Memorial is a towering bronze and stone aggregate monument located at Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal. Designed by Ronald Petty in 1987 and dedicated on October 8, 1988, the sculpture serves as a site of reverence, recognition, and healing for the families of local commercial fishermen and women who died in their work. The creation of the monument was the result of years of effort and generous contributions from Seattle's commercial fishing community. The monument features a 30-foot bronze and granite column flanked by two granite walls. Adjacent to the column, bronze plaques on a concrete wall list the names of more than 675 local commercial fishers who have lost their lives pursuing their livelihood since the turn of the century. These plaques are a central feature of the site, providing a tangible link to the history of the region's maritime industry. The memorial is situated between Docks 8 and 9 at the terminal, standing tall near the water's edge. It is a place of community solidarity and reflection, where the fishing industry and their families gather to remember those lost at sea. The site is accessible to the public and offers a quiet space for contemplation amidst the working waterfront. Every year on the first Sunday of May, a special memorial service is held to honor all of those who have died and to place additional names on the plaques. This annual tradition ensures that the legacy of those who worked the waters of the Northwest Northwest is preserved and recognized by future generations.

Visitor tips

Visit during the first Sunday of May to witness the annual memorial service and the addition of new names to the plaques.
Allow time to walk along the docks to see the active commercial fishing fleet nearby.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the memorial is located within a working industrial terminal area.

Nearby context

The memorial is a central feature of the terminal in Ballard, situated near the water's edge between Docks 8 and 9, providing a solemn contrast to the active commercial fishing operations of the terminal.

Quick facts