Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a county seat in Jefferson County, Washington, sitting on a peninsula where the bay and the strait meet. Nineteenth-century houses line sloping streets that lead down to the water, from which you can watch ships and boats pass by.

During the 1880s the settlement grew quickly because businesspeople believed a railway terminal would be built here to move goods from inland areas to the sea. When the railroad chose a different route, development slowed and many planned buildings were never constructed.

The town name comes from a friend of Captain George Vancouver, who charted the bay in 1792 and named it after a British nobleman. On downtown street corners, several bronze statues depict historical figures that visitors often touch and photograph.

Streets in the center can be steep, so comfortable shoes are recommended when walking around on foot. On most days a cool breeze blows in from the water, so a light jacket can be useful even in summer.

A paper mill at the harbor has been processing recycled materials for decades and remains one of the largest employers in the area. The plant uses seawater for cooling processes and returns it cleaned, which you can see from the shore.

Location: Jefferson County

Inception: 1851

Elevation above the sea: 40 m

Website: https://cityofpt.us

GPS coordinates: 48.11750,-122.76083

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:33