Seattle and Washington as a whole have long been known for their oddities. These days there aren’t quite as many, but there are still a few relics from our city’s unique past. That includes the largest cowboy hat in the country and overall one of the largest hats in the entire world. Yes, it’s here in Seattle and not in Texas.
Chances are that you’ve been to Seattle’s Georgetown, it has plenty of great spots to eat, shops, and historic buildings. It’s also the home of Hat n’ Boots, a beloved local sculpture that now rests in Oxbow Park. But why is it there in the first place?
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According to Roadside America, Hat n’ Boots, as they were once called, were a part of businessman Buford Seals’ plans to build a Western-themed shopping center on US 99 in Georgetown.
It opened in 1954 and was called Frontier Village, but never fully came to fruition. While it operated, the massive hat which stands 19 feet high and 44 feet wide was used as a gas station. Its accompanying boots actually were used as restrooms.
Due to its unique nature, it became one of Washington’s most popular gas stations, but eventually was abandoned in 1988. Luckily for all of us, the neighbors of Georgetown fought hard to save the relics and they’re now safe in Oxbow Park. And while our large cowboy hat has had some recent rivalry with the addition of a new 32 foot hat in Oklahoma, we’re still the largest.
If you want to see one of the largest hats in the world, all you have to do is head over to Georgetown. Have fun out there!
