The Seattle Traveler

Birthplace of Seattle: The Log House Museum

by Mary Jo on August 8th, 2008

Just a few steps away from Alki Beach is a restored 1904 log cabin considered to be the Birthplace of Seattle.  It’s now a museum, the Log House Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Duwamish Peninsula and Seattle. 

This cabin, made of Douglas fir logs, was once a carriage house to the Fir Lodge, one of the first year-round homes in on Alki – it was summer cabin meets modern (at the time) home.  The Fir Lodge was, in turn, an auto club, boarding house, and Veteran’s home, and today is the Homestead Restaurant.

The carriage house was relocated around 1908, and then again when West Seattle put in streets.  During that second move, a foundation was added and the building was converted to living quarters. 

In 1995 the Southwest Seattle Historical Society purchased the log cabin, and following an extensive restoration, it became the Log House Museum.  It was opened to the public on November 13th, 1997, the 146th anniversary of the landing of the Alki party on what was to become Alki Beach.

Native plant gardens surround the museum, making it a quintessential northwest location.

Group tours of the museum are available, and run for approximately an hour.

Location:  3003 61st Ave SW, West Seattle (map it)

Hours:  Thursday – Sunday, noon - 4 pm

Admission:  Suggested donation: $3 adult, $1 children.  Tours are available for $2 person.

Parking:  Neighborhood street parking available

Photo credit:  flickr

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POSTED IN: History & Information, Lunch Hour Fun, Museums, People - Interesting Local People