The Sunken Ship by wysiwig
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Description
This is a picture of a downtown parking structure nicknamed ‘The Sunken Ship’. When it was constructed the neighbors complained because it did not fit in with the architecture of nearby Pioneer Square. In response the city government added the white railings you see. Your tax dollars at work.
Seattle has a history of interesting characters. William Speidel, in his wonderful book ‘Sons of the Profits’ (this is not a misspelling), profiles a number of Washington’s early inhabitants in and around Seattle.
In 1856 the governor of Washington Territory, Isaac M. Stevens, had several men living in Pierce County arrested largely on the basis of their being married to Native American women. Judge Edward M. Lander, principle jurist for the territory, took a dim view of this and moved to issue a writ of habeas corpus, which required the men to be charged or released. Stevens then declared martial law in Pierce County, which suspended civilian rule. When Lander issued the writs anyway, Governor Stevens responded by throwing the Judge into jail.
After a few days the Governor succumbed to public pressure and released the judge. Judge Lander then moved the court to Thurston County where there was no martial law, had a number of United States Marshals present in the courtroom while court was in session and proceeded to issue the writs. Stevens retaliated by declaring martial law in Thurston County and surrounding the courthouse with armed militia, complete with a cannon on the front lawn. Judge Lander was dragged kicking and screaming back to jail where he remained for two weeks. Several months later Lander fined Stevens $50 for contempt of court. Stevens paid the fine. Then Stevens, the governor, pardoned Stevens, the citizen, and had his $50 returned.
Comments (21)
Faemike55
I am not sure which is more fascinating, this image or the story. Both are excellent Thank you for sharing
Chipka
What an interesting structure; I love the surrealness of it, right there in the middle of the city. Great work here, well seen; and the information you provided is a bonus. Great stuff!
myrrhluz
I'm going to have to get that book! What delicious history! The parking garage did not fit in with the architecture? Were they nervous about saying it's odd? I actually like it. But then I'm a little odd myself. Did you go inside? If so what is the inside like? I think I need to visit Seattle someday. What a rich city. Excellent information and image!
jocko500
this is super story and image to go with it. remind me of Judge Roy beam[Texas] some and also what happen in Tenn. after the Civil War[ southerns soldiers was shot even if they turn themself in like in the movie "Unforgiven" with Clen Eastwood]
durleybeachbum
What an extraordinary tale!! I love that building..it deceives the eye somehow, I'd have to go in to make sure the floors are actually level!
gary335sg
Great pictue and great story. I have been to Seattle twice and this structure never fails to catch my eye (as it did today.) Thanks
flavia49
terrific story and fantastic building!!!
lucindawind
wow !!how interesting ...
Meowgli
very interesting shot and story!
JSGraphics
Outstanding! Well Done!
auntietk
What an excellent image! I NEVER would have thought to take a photograph of this! You're going to get sick of me thanking you for showing me Seattle in new ways, but truly ... every image is a gift!
sandra46
very fascinating, terrific place !!!
Crabbycabby
Really weird image, fascinating, could look at it for hours.
whitemagus
great!well done!
tennesseecowgirl
Fantastic, and loved reading the history behind this interesting parking structure.
psyoshida
I agree with faemike55, both are so fascinating they can't be separated. This is a truly sensational shot Mark! As for the politics, so things really never change after all. Thanks for the great story and image.
danapommet
Fantastic capture and super narrative. Dana
zoren
interesting history..!
mariogiannecchini
What an interesting structure ! Very interesting shot and story !
hipps13
looks the center to right then left such a wonderful capture and the info awesome warm hugs, Linda
0rest4wicked
Agree with Psyoshida