Six Women – A Historical Walking Tour

Seattle’s "Six Women – A Historical Walking Tour" promises a captivating journey through the city’s past, highlighting the remarkable lives of six influential women who’ve left an indelible mark on its history. From a Native princess to a pioneering mayor, this 1.5-hour walking tour takes visitors on an intimate exploration of Pioneer Square, uncovering the triumphs and struggles of these extraordinary figures. With a focus on women’s contributions, the tour offers a unique perspective on Seattle’s evolution, leaving participants eager to discover more about the city’s rich heritage.

This experience made our article of Seattle’s 5 Best Historical Tours.

Key Points

• The tour explores the lives of six remarkable women who shaped Seattle’s history over 200 years, covering both admirable and despicable aspects of their stories.
• Participants will visit rarely seen historic sites and learn about the tragic fate of Native American figures like Princess Angeline, the daughter of Chief Seattle.
• The tour highlights trailblazing LGBTQ+ icon Ruby Chow, who owned a successful Chinese restaurant and became the first Asian American woman elected to the Seattle City Council.
• The tour examines the notorious swindler Nellie Curtis, who exploited Seattle’s elite through elaborate schemes, and the pioneering women’s rights activist Abigail Scott Duniway.
• The tour also delves into the lives of Delphine Naughton, who ran a notorious brothel while navigating Seattle’s underbelly, and Bertha Knight Landes, the first woman elected mayor of a major American city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Six Women – A Historical Walking Tour" offers visitors a 1.5-hour exploration of Pioneer Square in Seattle, highlighting the lives of six remarkable women who’ve shaped the city’s history over the past 200 years.

The tour costs $35 per person and is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

Wheelchair accessible and conducted in English, the tour covers the stories of a Native Princess, a Gay Icon, a Swindler, a Zealot, a Madame, and a Mayor.

With a seasoned guide, the tour visits rarely seen historic sites, exploring both admirable and despicable aspects of these women’s lives.

The Native Princess

Who was the Native Princess featured on the tour? Her name was Princess Angeline, the daughter of Chief Seattle.

The tour guide shared how Angeline lived her later years in poverty, selling hand-carved souvenirs to travelers in Pioneer Square to make ends meet. Despite her royal heritage, she endured hardship as her tribe’s lands were taken and the city of Seattle grew.

The tour explored how she symbolized the tragic fate of many Native Americans during westward expansion. Visitors gained insight into this overlooked figure who played a significant role in Seattle’s early history.

The Gay Icon

Next, the tour guide led the group to explore the life of a pioneering LGBTQ+ figure who made a significant impact on Seattle’s history.

The tour focused on the life of Ruby Chow, a prominent lesbian restaurateur and politician in Seattle during the mid-20th century.

Key points about Ruby Chow included:

1. She owned and operated Ruby Chow’s, a successful Chinese restaurant that became a hub for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community.

2. Chow was the first Asian American woman elected to the Seattle City Council, serving from 1967 to 1979.

3. She was a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ trailblazer, openly embracing her identity and advocating for queer rights.

The Swindler

Though a notorious swindler, the tour guide painted a captivating portrait of Nellie Curtis, a woman who masterfully exploited the generosity of Seattle’s elite in the late 1800s.

Posing as a wealthy widow, Nellie charmed her way into the city’s high society, bilking some of the most prominent citizens out of thousands of dollars.

Whether selling worthless mining stocks or borrowing money she never repaid, Nellie’s elaborate schemes allowed her to live a lavish lifestyle before she ultimately fled the city in disgrace.

Yet, the tour guide revealed Nellie’s story with a hint of admiration for her audacity and cunning.

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The Zealot

A zealous reformer named Abigail Scott Duniway dedicated her life to championing women’s rights in Seattle during the late 19th century. She fought tirelessly for the right to vote, own property, and access higher education.

Duniway:

1. Established the New North-West, a newspaper advocating for women’s suffrage.

2. Organized rallies and marches, drawing large crowds to support her cause.

3. Endured criticism and ridicule but remained steadfast in her mission, inspiring a new generation of activists.

Duniway’s unwavering dedication to gender equality left an indelible mark on Seattle’s history, paving the way for future generations of women to claim their rightful place in society.

The Madame

As a madam running one of Seattle’s most notorious brothels in the early 1900s, Delphine Naughton navigated the city’s seedy underbelly with cunning and ambition.

She developed close ties with powerful politicians and law enforcement, allowing her to operate freely. Delphine’s business catered to wealthy clientele and even offered private rooms for elite customers.

Though some viewed her as exploitative, Delphine fiercely defended her workers, ensuring their safety and providing them with a modicum of financial independence.

Tragically, her success was short-lived, as she ultimately died by suicide following a police raid on her hotel.

The Mayor

Bertha Knight Landes made history in 1926 when she became the first woman elected as mayor of a major American city – Seattle. Landes ran on a platform of municipal reform, pledging to crack down on vice and corruption.

As mayor, she:

1. Overhauled the city’s police force, firing corrupt officers and implementing new training programs.

2. Championed women’s rights, advocating for equal pay and expanded civic participation.

3. Improved city infrastructure, investing in new parks, roads, and public facilities.

However, Landes faced significant opposition from entrenched political interests and lost her re-election bid in 1928.

Despite this, her trailblazing tenure left a lasting impact on Seattle.

Customer Reviews

What do customers have to say about the Six Women – A Historical Walking Tour? Based on the three reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 5/5. Attendees praised the storytelling ability and engaging presentation of the women’s stories. Customers highlighted the fascinating historical information and the necessity of recognizing women’s roles in history. The reviews commended the interesting insights into the six women who shaped Seattle. The feedback suggests the tour provides an intimate, immersive experience, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the complex lives of these influential women.

| Review | Reviewer | Feedback |

| —— | ——- | ——– |

| 5/5 | Rebecca Martin | Praised the storytelling ability and engaging presentation of the women’s stories. |

| 5/5 | Damian | Highlighted the fascinating information and the necessity of recognizing women’s roles in history. |

| 5/5 | Lisa | Commended the interesting historical insights into the six women who shaped Seattle. |

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a guided walking experience with six stops within a five-block radius. Participants can expect to cover approximately 1 mile of walking during the 1.5-hour tour through Pioneer Square.

Do Participants Receive Any Handouts or Materials?

Participants receive no physical handouts or materials during the tour. The guide instead shares historical information and context through their engaging storytelling and by pointing out relevant sites along the walking route.

Are There Restroom Breaks Scheduled During the Tour?

The tour does not explicitly mention scheduled restroom breaks. However, it takes place over 1.5 hours and covers a small area, so participants likely have opportunities to use restrooms during the tour as needed.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups, allowing for a more tailored experience. Organizers can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary, group size, and other details to meet the specific needs of the private party.

Is Photography Allowed During the Walking Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the walking tour, though participants are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide’s narration or other guests’ experience. Guests should check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

The Sum Up

The "Six Women – A Historical Walking Tour" offers a unique and captivating exploration of Seattle’s past, highlighting the remarkable contributions of six influential women. Through their stories, the tour provides a fresh perspective on the city’s history, showcasing the triumphs and struggles of these pioneering figures. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this intimate and accessible tour is a must-experience for anyone interested in uncovering the hidden narratives that have shaped Seattle’s identity.

You can check availability for your dates here: