Olympic National Park Headquarters Historic District
600 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles, WA Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.
1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.
1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.
1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.
1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.
1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.
1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.
1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.
1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.
2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.
Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.
The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Washington State Ferry system is the largest ferry system in the United States and the third-largest in the world, with 10 routes and 20 terminals serving communities throughout the Puget Sound region.
European exploration of the region began in the late 18th century, with Spanish and British explorers setting foot on the shores of present-day Clallam County. Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy explored the area in 1792, and his encounters with the Klallam people resulted in the name "Clallam" being used to refer to both the county and the tribe. In the early 19th century, American fur traders and settlers arrived in the region, establishing trading posts and laying the foundations for future communities.
The 1850s brought significant changes to Clallam County, as the territory was officially organized and settled by American pioneers. The discovery of gold in the Olympic Mountains further spurred growth and development in the area. The county's economy slowly transformed from one reliant on the fur trade and natural resources to one centered around agriculture and timber.
Throughout the 20th century, Clallam County experienced both challenges and opportunities. The devastating effects of the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry posed significant hardships for the region's residents. However, the county's diverse geography attracted tourists, especially to Olympic National Park, which was established in 1938.
Today, Clallam County remains a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and economic growth. With a strong focus on environmental stewardship, the county's economy has diversified to include tourism, healthcare, education, and technology. The region's historical legacy continues to be celebrated, with museums, heritage sites, and annual events honoring the Klallam people and the pioneers who shaped the county.
Clallam County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clallam County, Washington.
- 1790s - The area now known as Clallam County is inhabited by the indigenous Klallam people.
- 1778 - British explorer Captain James Cook voyages along the coast of Clallam County.
- 1808 - The first European-American, John Jacob Astor's fur trader Robert Gray, arrives in the area.
- 1811-1812 - European-American fur trappers establish a trading post near present-day Port Angeles.
- 1845 - The United States and Britain sign the Oregon Treaty, making the area part of the U.S. territory.
- 1855 - The Klallam people resist encroachment on their lands in the Puget Sound Indian War.
- 1859 - Clallam County is officially established, named after the Klallam people.
- 1889 - The Great Seattle Fire leads to an influx of settlers in Clallam County.
- 1914 - Port Angeles becomes the economic hub of the county with the opening of a major pulp and paper mill.
- 1938 - Olympic National Park is established, protecting a significant portion of Clallam County's natural environment.
- 1980 - Mount St. Helens eruption causes ashfall in Clallam County.
- 1990s - The logging and fishing industries decline, leading to diversification of the county's economy.
- Today - Clallam County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and diverse local economy.