“Port Townsend is called the “City of Dreams” because of the early speculation that the city would be the largest harbor on the west coast of the United States. Guarding the gate of Puget Sound, it would become known by its other nickname, the “Key City,” a title that remains to this day.” (Source: Wikipedia)
Darla and I spent a couple of mornings in Port Townsend. It’s picturesque, steeped in history, and very remote! Besides the titles of City of Dreams and the Key City, described above, I also found a site in which Port Townsend was touted as the future “New York City of the West”. The Olympic Mountain Range make a perfect backdrop for this coastal city!
“By the late 19th century, Port Townsend was a well-known seaport, very active and banking on the future. Many homes and buildings were built during that time, with most of the architecture ornate Victorian.” (Source: Wikipedia)
Port Townsend seems to have a variety of “faces”. Many of the historic Victorian buildings are now quaint mom and pop shops and restaurants to cater to the tourists.
At the edge of town, a plant processes timber from the region. It’s a port town, so barges and commercial fishermen go about their business.
Tucked somewhat out of the view of most tourists, a seawall protected bay services the commercial fishermen.
Closer to the commercial side of town, another inlet holds the sport and leisure boats.
Ferries cross the sound about every 40 minutes to and from Whidbey Island. ! It was amazing to witness how smoothly the entire ferry operation works. The ferries carry commuters, goods, and contractor’s vehicles.
“Indian tribes located in what is now Jefferson County in the mid-19th century included the Chimakum (or Chemakum), Hoh (a group of the Quileute), Klallam (or Clallam), Quinault, and Twana (the Kilcid band — Anglicized as “Quilcene”).” (Source: Wikipedia)
While the central business district maintains it’s historic charm, you can find gas stations, and grocery stores just off the main drag.
Public art would help define any city that wants to call itself the City of Dreams.
Similarly, architectural details were important during the Victorian period. I saw plenty of similar examples in Port Townsend.
I was in the sign business for many years. We refer to signs like this as “Ghost Signs”⏤remnants of days long before electronic jumbo-trons, computers, and LED lights. The original color in most of the signs have faded away, leaving only the black and white elements.
I photographed numerous signs around Port Townsend. Creative craftsmen can create attractive and memorable signage that blends in with the historic theme and use traditional local materials.
I’ll end this page with a simple photo that reminds me of an unfamiliar seaside lifestyle.
Other Northwest Pages:
Washington & Oregon Lighthouses
Northwest Misc. Images (coming soon)