Beneath the ground of Lake View Cemetery lies some of Seattle’s richest history. As Seattle’s most famous cemetery, many prominent Seattle pioneers lie within its grounds, including the Dennys, Maynards, Mercers, Yeslers, and Chief Seattle’s daughter, Princess Angeline. Join Jared Steed and the Seattle Obscura Society as we walk the cemetery learning about their stories and discussing their involvement in the founding and establishment of Seattle.

In addition to Seattle’s pioneer history, we learn the sordid history of Seattle’s Madam Damnable and what became of her body, honor Japanese American veterans with a visit to the Nisei War Memorial Monument, and puzzle over the cenotaph commemorating Captain Jefferson Davis Howell, brother-in-law of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

Our tour will end at the graves of Lake View Cemetery’s most famous residents: Bruce and Brandon Lee, as we discover what became of the funeral home which prepared Bruce Lee’s body for burial.

Adventure Notes
Meet in front of the main cemetery gate at 1554 15th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112

The tour is entirely outside and will run rain or shine.

We will be walking approximately one mile so please wear comfortable walking and water-resistant shoes.

Tour is ADA accessible on the walking and car paths, but as this tour is mostly a walking tour we will also be walking off paths and into the grass to view graves and monuments.

Parking is available outside the cemetery on 15th Avenue, but participants are encouraged to arrive by public transportation.

No public restrooms are available inside the cemetery

Questions? Contact jared.steed@atlasobscura.com.