From Tribal Village to Urban Park

The southern portion of Occidental Square was once part of the tidal Duwamish Island – very likely an island only at high tide. The Duwamish people built a village in this area, which included at least one permanent longhouse used for shelter, celebration, and trade. A southern-flowing stream, which is now buried under city streets, provided freshwater and emptied into the lagoon near where 3rd Ave S and S Main St intersect today. By the time European-American homesteaders arrived in 1852, the Duwamish village had already been abandoned. In the 1970s, this former street was converted to a pedestrian mall and park. Today, Occidental Park is a central hub for activities throughout the year.