On this day in 2020, the Seattle Police Department vacates their precinct station in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Activists — united in ongoing protests of police violence — declare roughly six city blocks surrounding the station an autonomous zone, “Free Capitol Hill.” They barricade the streets to keep police out and organize services for occupants, including food distribution, medical care and security. A tent village grows in the streets. As access is restricted, many local businesses close down, while some restaurants thrive. A community garden is planted in Cal Anderson Park. With intense national media coverage, the zone persists for 23 days, through uneasiness and controversy. After several shootings and the death of a 16-year-old boy, police forcefully clear the area and reclaim their precinct station.