McGraw Square

A Touch of Seattle's Past

At the heart of McGraw Square stands a bronze statue of John Harte McGraw, a local historical heavyweight who served as King County Sheriff before becoming Washington state's second Governor. Sculptor Richard E. Brooks crafted this tribute, which has been watching over the square since its unveiling in 1913 - a silent storyteller of Seattle's evolution over the past century.

The square itself spans just 0.01 acres in the Denny Triangle neighborhood of downtown Seattle, making it one of the smallest spaces in Seattle's park system. Don't let the size fool you, though - the historical significance here punches well above its weight.

From Historical Corner to Modern Hub

In 2011, the space got a contemporary makeover when the Seattle Department of Transportation expanded the plaza and integrated it with the South Lake Union Streetcar terminus. The renovation turned this historical corner into a pedestrian-friendly space with updated urban design elements.

Today, this compact plaza functions as both a public gathering spot and a transit connection point. Despite its tiny footprint, McGraw Square has an important place in Seattle's urban landscape, offering a brief respite from downtown's activity while connecting to the city's history.

A streetcar and the Seattle Center Monorail pass through McGraw Square

Photo: David Wilson (CC BY 2.0)

Taking a Moment

McGraw Square makes for a practical meeting spot in the downtown core, with comfortable seating areas where you can rest your feet after exploring the city. The plaza provides nice views of the surrounding cityscape while being incredibly convenient for anyone using public transportation.

Its central location and streetcar access make this little square a surprisingly useful waypoint whether you're a local on your daily commute or a visitor navigating downtown Seattle's attractions.