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Seattle, Washington / Public art

Tlingit Totem Pole

A striking Tlingit totem pole in Pioneer Square, serving as a complex monument to Seattle's history as the Gateway to Alaska and its fraught relationship with Native American cultures.

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Tlingit Totem Pole
pioneersquare.org, og_image_pioneersquare.org

What is the Tlingit Totem Pole known for?

Also known as the Seattle totem pole or the Chief-of-All-Women pole, it is a symbol of the complicated relationship between American Indians and European Americans. It was originally used by civic leaders to promote Seattle as the 'Gateway to Alaska'.

Where is it located?

The totem pole is located in Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle at the intersection of First Avenue and Yesler Way, adjacent to the Iron Pergola.

What are the hours and is it free?

The site is free to visit and is always open to the public.

What is the history of the pole?

The original pole was carved in 1790 in Alaska to honor Chief-of-All-Women before being stolen by Seattle businessmen and raised in Pioneer Square in 1899. After the original was damaged by fire and vandalism, a reproduction was carved by Tlingit craftsmen in 1938, which was later restored in 1972.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the area is wheelchair accessible, featuring paved walkways and nearby accessible parking.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at the intersection of First Avenue and Yesler Way, the Tlingit Totem Pole is one of the most recognizable landmarks in downtown Seattle. The original structure was carved in 1790 in a Tlingit village on Tongass Island, Alaska, to honor a woman known as Chief-of-All-Women. In August 1899, a group of Seattle businessmen on an expedition to Alaska took the pole, which was formally presented to the Seattle City Council on October 17, 1899, and raised in Pioneer Place the following day. During the late 19th century, civic leaders used the pole as a branding tool to promote Seattle as the 'Gateway to Alaska.' This appropriation turned the monument into a popular tourist image, leading local curio shops to market model souvenirs of the pole. However, the original wooden structure suffered from fire and vandalism over the decades. By 1938, the remaining pieces of the original pole were sent back to Alaska. In exchange, Tlingit craftsmen carved a reproduction, which is the replica that stands in the square today. This 1938 version underwent further restoration in 1972 to preserve its appearance. Today, the site is interpreted not just as a piece of public art, but as a symbol of the complicated relationship between European Americans and American Indians. It stands alongside the Iron Pergola, marking the heart of the district from which Seattle's industrial base grew.

Visitor tips

  • The site is free to visit and always open, making it a flexible stop for any itinerary.
  • The area features paved walkways and nearby accessible parking for those with mobility needs.
  • Pair this stop with a visit to the adjacent Iron Pergola and Chief Seattle's bust for a complete view of the square's monuments.

Nearby context

The totem pole is situated in the heart of Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest neighborhood. It stands at the intersection of First Avenue and Yesler Way, sharing the space with the historic Iron Pergola and the bust of Chief Seattle.

Sources

Evidence and links