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Port Townsend

 

 

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Olympic National Park

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Cities and Towns of the Olympic Peninsula
Amanda Park
Brinnon
Discovery Bay
Eldon
Forks
Hoodsport
Hoquiam
La Push
Lake Quinault
Lilliwaup
Moclips
Neah Bay
Ozette
Port Angeles
Port Hadlock
Port Ludlow
Port Townsend
Potlatch
Quilcene
Sequim
Shelton
Union

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Description
The historical circumstances that saw the boom and bust of this seaside town, also worked to leave us with a wonderfully romantic combination of Victorian architecture overlooking the glorious Puget Sound.  During the 1800s shipping magnates and other business speculators built grand homes and businesses.  As economic fortunes moved elsewhere, these buildings escaped subsequent development and the downtown area is now designated a National Historic District.  Some of the historic buildings offer accommodations and/or tours, and historic Water Street houses art galleries, antique shops, gift stores and restaurants.  The combination of architectural and natural beauty attracts artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

History
Port Townsend was officially settled in 1851 with dreams that the site's good anchorage would see it become the largest harbor on the west coast.  The seaport prospered in the 1880's, when many of its superb buildings were built and its population reached a peak of 7,000.  However, Port Townsend saw a rapid decline in population when the Northern Pacific Railroad failed to connect the city to the eastern Puget Sound city of Tacoma. By the late 1890's the boom was over.  Noteworthy buildings include the Carnegie Library, the US Post Office, and The Rose Movie Theater.

Name
Originally named 'Port Townshend' by Captain George Vancouver for his friend the Marquis of Townshend, in 1792.

For more on Port Townsend, browse the links below:

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Weather
Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Go Northwest! Bookstore
Best selection of books on the Northwest.
Click here!  

Best Easy Day Hikes Olympics
by Erik Molvar
May 1998, Paperback, 100 pages, (non-fiction)
Focuses on short strolls, nature trails and half-day hikes within Olympic National Park and the surrounding forest. It includes trails through the alpine meadows of the high peaks, through the ancient rainforests of the western lowlands, and along the spectacular coastline.

Order now...

Exploring Washington's Wild Olympic Coast
by David Hooper
March 1993, Paperback, 143 pages, (guidebook)

Fly Fishing the Olympic Peninsula
by Doug Rose
July 199, Paperback, 96 pages, (guidebook)

Hiking Olympic National Park
by Erik Molvar
November 1996, 2nd edition, Paperback, 248 pages, (guidebook)

Northwest Books
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Revised: May 13, 2008.