History Port Townsend, Washington

klallam people @ port townsend, 1859, james g. swan

railroads built reach more areas in 1870-1890s , port townsend northwest extension of rail lines. port large , frequented overseas vessels, shipping of goods , timber area major part of economy. many of buildings built on speculation port townsend become booming shipping port , major city. when depression hit, plans lost capital continue , rail lines ended on east side of puget sound, in tumwater, tacoma, , seattle. other puget sound ports growing in size, port townsend saw rapid decline in population when northern pacific railroad failed connect city eastern puget sound city of tacoma. late 1890s, boom over. without railroad spur economic growth, town shrank , investors looked elsewhere make return. (the milwaukee road built short spur pulpmill , barged cars on anacortes.)

over decades followed, port townsend maintained economic stability in variety of ways, including development of artillery fortifications @ fort worden. many people left area , many buildings abandoned. port townsend s economy weak until 1920s when paper mill built on edge of town. bay home naval magazine indian island, navy s primary munitions-handling dock on pacific coast.

since 1970s new residents, including many retirees, have moved town. waterfront retail district has restaurants, services, , tourist destinations. since 1999, city has had annual international film festival in september. other cultural programming, @ fort worden, state park, includes wooden boat festival, writers conference, , blues , jazz festivals, in addition music, dance, , live theatre performances. town has 2 independent movie theaters, both upgraded 2014 handle digital film.

recognition of historic status

because of speed @ economy declined in 1890s , lack of industry replace it, none of victorian buildings torn down or built on in intervening period. preserved 100 years, when value of protecting them appreciated , fostered.

the port townsend historic district, area including many victorian-era buildings, listed on national register of historic places in 1976. designated national historic landmark in 1977.