National Register Listing

Port Gamble Historic District

NW end of Kitsap Peninsula near entrance to Hood Canal, Puget Sound, Port Gamble, WA
Local significance of the district:
Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

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.
Washington random facts
Kitsap County, located in the western part of Washington State, has a rich history that dates back to thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Suquamish and S'Klallam, who relied on the abundant natural resources in the region for fishing, hunting, and gathering.

In the 18th century, European explorers, including British and Spanish sailors, began to visit the area, followed by American fur traders and explorers. In 1841, the first known European settlement was established at Port Madison by the Hudson's Bay Company. This marked the beginning of increased European presence in the region.

During the mid-19th century, settlers from the eastern parts of the United States started to arrive, drawn by the region's fertile lands and access to the Puget Sound. In 1854, Kitsap County was officially established, named after Chief Kitsap, a Suquamish leader. Port Orchard was designated as the county seat.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant growth in the area, primarily due to the expansion of the logging and shipbuilding industries. Kitsap County became an important hub for timber production and shipbuilding, playing a vital role in supporting the growth of neighboring Seattle. The construction of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton in 1891 further boosted the local economy and solidified the county's ties with the U.S. Navy.

Today, Kitsap County remains a vibrant and diverse region that offers a blend of urban centers, rural communities, and breathtaking natural beauty. With its strong ties to the naval industry, a robust tourism sector, and a thriving arts and culture scene, the county continues to evolve while embracing its unique history and heritage.

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

  • 1854 - Kitsap County is officially formed as part of Washington Territory
  • 1855 - Port Madison Indian Reservation is established on the Kitsap Peninsula
  • 1889 - The Great Seattle Fire prompts many residents to move to Kitsap County
  • 1900 - Naval Base Kitsap (formerly Puget Sound Naval Shipyard) is established in Bremerton
  • 1937 - The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, connecting Kitsap County to Tacoma, is opened
  • 1942 - World War II brings increased military presence and economic growth to the area
  • 1950 - The Hood Canal Bridge, spanning the Hood Canal, is completed
  • 1979 - Kitsap Mall opens as the county's first major shopping center
  • 1999 - The Clear Creek Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail, is established
  • 2013 - The Suquamish Museum opens, showcasing the history and culture of the Suquamish Tribe