McGraw Square

McGraw Square

Location: Downtown Seattle
Address: Stewart St. and Westlake Ave. N.
Acreage: 0.01

It’s hard to believe that Seattle once had only four police officers. John H. McGraw was one of them back in the late 1800s, and McGraw Square in the middle of downtown Seattle is named after him. McGraw went on to be the second governor of Washington State in 1893.

This park, which sits just behind Westlake Mall, was redone this year and is now a pleasant pedestrian passage. The South Lake Union Streetcar begins its journey from this spot, and its location near the hub of much downtown activity makes this a busy park.

Slow down and you’ll find an imposing statue of Mr. McGraw who looks like he’s ready to hop on the streetcar and take a ride. Read more about his adventures as a police officer in Seattle. You’ll come to appreciate that he definitely earned that statue.

#319 (Visited 12/8/11)