THE BIRTH OF SEATTLE - A couple weeks ago I went over to Alki Point where there is a miniature Statue of Liberty erected because the people who founded the City of Seattle felt that once the city got established, it would be another New York City. They were from the east and they had this hope anyway. Seattle is not quite a New York City. It's not as big, but it holds its own, and has it's own unique flavor. Alki in
the Indian language means 'by and by'. The early settlers felt that Seattle would be like New York City by and by, and that is what this Statue of Liberty symbolizes.

This place on Alki Point is where these first settlers landed and set up their first settlement. The first winter was the worst. From what I can remember being taught when I was in grade school, these people had their house build, but had no roof by the time winter came, so they had a miserable time. Being out in the elements in the winter time around here can be very uncomfortable. The cold around here is what you call a 'wet cold', and penetrates to the bone, as opposed to a dry cold found in most of the rest of the country which is a little bit more tolerable. With the help of the friendly Indian in the area they were able to survive.

Eventually this party moved to the place where Seattle was built further down along what became Elliott Bay which is several miles from Alki. But this is where the idea of Seattle was born. There is also an obilisk that commemerates the landing of these early pioneers. It has all their names and dates carved into it. There are also several metal plaques around the area that tell the story in more detail.

The day I went was a very sunny spring day. Wisps of clouds streaked the sky. A cool, comfortable breeze was blowing through and people were out enjoying the weather. Sea gulls were screeching loudly overhead. The misty Olympic Mountains lay across the water in the distance. I had passed this place many times, but I had never stopped to look at this historical site.