National Register Listings in
Jefferson County, Washington

Bartlett, Frank, House Bash, Henry, House Bishop, Senator William, House and Office Botten Cabin Chimacum Post Office Christian Congregation Church of Port Ludlow City Hall Coleman-Furlong House Duckabush River Bridge Edwards, Joel, House Elk Lick Lodge Enchanted Valley Chalet F/V WESTERN FLYER (purse seiner) Fitzgerald, Thomas, House Fort Flagler Fort Worden Fowler, Capt. Enoch S., House Gagen-Sherlock House Galster House Graves Creek Ranger Station Griffiths, J. W., House Hamilton-Worthington House Happy Four Shelter Harper, F. C., House Hayes River Fire Cache House at 1723 Holcomb Street House at 30 Tremont Street House at 503 Fir Street Interrorem Guard Station-Olympic National Forest Irondale Historic District Irondale Jail James, Francis Wilcox, House Jefferson County Courthouse Johnson House Lake-Little House Laubach, J. N., House Leader Building Lincoln School Manresa Hall Methodist Epscopal Church of Port Hadlock Morgan, O. L. and Josephine, House Nelson House North Fork Quinault Ranger Station Oatman, Earl, House Old German Consulate Olympus Guard Station Pearson House Pelton Creek Shelter Petersen, H. S., House Pettygrove, Benjamin S., House Point Wilson Lighthouse Port Townsend Carnegie Library Port Townsend Historic District Quilcene Ranger Station Ralston, Judge, House Rothschild House Rover, Hanna, House Saint's Rest, Tukey's Pioneer Cabin and Homestead House Saunders, James C., House Schlager, Ferdinand, House Shibles, Capt. Peter, House Sole, Tollef, House St. Paul's Episcopal Church Starrett House Stegerwald, Andrew, House Swanson, Hans, House Trumbull, John, House Tucker, Horace, House Uncas School US Post Office-Port Townsend Main Van Trojen House Ward, Milo P., House Williams, Hattie, House
The first European settlement in Washington was established by the Spanish in 1775 at Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.