Historical Markers in
Jefferson County, Washington

An Abundant Backyard Anna Petrovna - Timothei Tarakanov At Home in the Outdoors Bell Tower Bounty of the Bay Canoes Were Made Of Locally Available Materials Capt. George Vancouver Cemetery Chetzemoka Chief Chetzemoka Chief Chetzemoka Chinese Exclusion Act Citizens Independent Telephone Company Civil War Memorial Crimping Discovery Bay Early Cabin Escape to the Hoh River Leads to Captivity Fire Bell Tower Fire! Fowler Building Haller Fountain Hastings Building Historic City Hall Hoh Indian Tribe Home and Office Honoring Eleanor Stopps Hudson Beach / Big Heart Interrorem: Interim or Enduring? InterTribal Canoe Journey Intertribal Trade Jefferson County Courthouse Jefferson County Memorial Athletic Field Kah Tai Prairie Preserve Korean War Memorial Kuhn Building Loyalty, Courage & Common Sense Marvin Glenn Shields Partnering With The Northwest Maritime Center With A Shared Respect For The Sea Point Hudson Point Hudson Point Hudson History Point Hudson Shoreline Port Townsend Port Townsend's Waterfront Preservation qatáy Prairie Quileute Indian Tribe Railroad Rothschild House Sailing Ships Sentinel Rock Site of Port Townsend's First Settlers' Cabin Smuggling Starrett House Sv. Nikolai Mission The čičməhán Trail The Belmont The Haller Fountain The Leader Building The Ranger Hole The S'Klallams, The Strong People The Unique Coast Salish Design The Welcome Totem Pole Trade With Newcomers U.S. Coast Guard Memorial U.S.S. Marvin Shields (DE-1066) Union Wharf Union Wharf / Indian Island Union Wharf: A Century of Continuous Service Village at Memorial Field Water Welcome to Port Townsend: Washington's Victorian Seaport World War Memorial
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.
Washington random facts
Jefferson County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its earliest inhabitants. The area was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Chimakum, S'Klallam, and Quileute, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region, including ample fishing opportunities and lush forests.

In the late 18th century, European explorers, including British and Spanish traders, began to navigate the waters of the Pacific Northwest, with some even landing on the shores of present-day Jefferson County. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that the area started to see permanent settlement. Settlers, predominantly of European descent, arrived in search of timber and opportunities in agriculture and mining.

The discovery of gold in nearby British Columbia in 1857 sparked a brief gold rush, drawing more people to the region. Initially, Port Townsend, located in Jefferson County, served as a major port for trade and transportation, with aspirations of becoming a major city and the primary port for the Pacific Northwest. Although these ambitions did not entirely materialize, the city did prosper as a supply center during the gold rush era.

Over the years, Jefferson County remained primarily dependent on industries such as logging, fishing, and farming. In the 20th century, the area also became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks. Today, Jefferson County continues to be known for its natural beauty, strong ties to its Native American heritage, and its commitment to environmental stewardship.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jefferson County, Washington.

  • 1852 - Jefferson County is created and named after President Thomas Jefferson.
  • 1878 - Port Townsend becomes the county seat.
  • 1880s - Logging industry booms in Jefferson County.
  • 1890 - Port Townsend is one of the busiest ports on the West Coast.
  • 1905 - Fort Worden is established near Port Townsend as a military base.
  • 1920s - Decline in logging industry leads to economic challenges for the county.
  • 1935 - Olympic National Park is established in Jefferson County.
  • 1951 - Fort Worden becomes a state park after its closure as a military base.
  • 1971 - Jefferson County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1981 - Fort Worden State Park hosts the first Centrum Festival.
  • 2002 - Discovery Trail, a scenic trail that spans Jefferson County, is completed.
  • 2010 - Port Townsend is designated a National Historic Landmark District.