Historic Sites

Many Historic Sites to Visit while in Port Townsend, WA.

Blue Gull Inn B&B — Fort Worden State Park
Port Townsend, WA

Like many young communities in the Puget Sound, Port Townsend aspired to greatness.

Calling itself the “Key City” and the “New York of the West,” Port Townsend quickly became a bustling seaport and customs gateway to the Pacific Northwest, with an impressive waterfront commercial district of stone and brick buildings and many elegant Victorian homes on the bluff above.

Although economic activity shifted from Port Townsend to Seattle, much of the 19th Century and early 20th Century remains intact. In 1976, the waterfront district and the residential area on the bluff were designated a National Historic District, and Port Townsend is today recognized as one of only three Victorian Seaports on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you want to explore the history of Port Townsend, your first stop should be theJefferson County Historical Museum next to City Hall downtown. In addition to impressive exhibits and helpful staff and volunteers, the Museum leads walking toursthrough the downtown and uptown districts, helping visitors to glean the exciting history of the area.

Some of the more impressive and notable sites to explore include:

The Rothschild House

Located at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor Streets in uptown Port Townsend, the Rothschild House is virtually unchanged from a hundred years ago. Managed by JCHS, the home features original furnishing and decor. Learn more.

The Jefferson County Courthouse

The Jefferson County Courthouse majestically overlooks Port Townsend Bay and the entrance to Admiralty Inlet. Approved for construction in 1890, the Courthouse’s deep red, smooth bricks were shipped in from St. Louis, and nearly 800 tons of sandstone were brought in from Alaska. Learn more.

The Port Townsend Post Office and Customs House

The Port Townsend Federal Building – originally home to the Port Office and Customs House, is the oldest federally constructed post office in Washington state, and the only example of Richardson Romanesque design in a federal building in Washington. Still in use today, the building was constructed in 1893. Learn more.

Uptown Victorian Homes

Strolling the uptown district of Port Townsend and sampling Victorian architecture is a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike (although many of these historic homes are private residences – please respect their privacy). Learn more.

Downtown – the whole thing!

The entire downtown core is a National Historic District! Look around and imagine yourself walking the same streets and seeing the same buildings more than a hundred years ago

Looking for real estate, check out Port Townsend, WA

While in Port Townsend and looking for real estate. Stay at the Blue Gull Inn B&B

Point Wilson Light House

Blue Gull Inn B&B

The Blue Gull Inn B&B is one of the first homes built in Port Townsend, WA. Our home was built by ND Hill in 1868. If you can imagine, our home was built 3 years after the end of the Civil War. ND Hill and his family and had a large home with a large dining room, perfect for a Bed & Breakfast. Join us for a great Breakfast!!! ND Hill was our local pharmacist, back then a pharmacy is a combination today of a pharmacy and hardware store.

Looking for a place to stay during your visit in Port Townsend, Washington’s Victorian Seaport and Arts Community. Enjoy the Blue Gull Inn B&B, www.bluegullinn.com

If you like history, here is your trivia of the day. The ND Hill House actually was owned by the Hill Family for 90 years, it was finally sold in 1958.This home was built at the beginning of the Victorian era, the style of the home is Gothic Victorian.

The Blue Gull Inn B&B www.bluegullinn.com Stay in one our 6 guest rooms, 2 with whirlpool bath tubs. Have coffee or a glass of wine on our sweeping front porch. Relax in our parlor or dining room, a casual, country Victorian theme. The Blue Gull Inn B&B is located in Uptown, just 5 blocks from downtown Port Townsend, WA.

Looking for more to see and do in Port Townsend, Washington’s Victorian Seaport and Art Community. Lots of great places to shop and dine for a list check out www.enjoypt.com or, www.ptguide.com

So you are visiting Port Townsend and decide like many people, it is a great place to live. For real estate contact John Eissinger at Remax www.johneissinger.com. We are a very walking and bicycle friendly community. Port Townsend is located right on the water, at the entrance to Puget Sound. We are the water gate way to the Puget Sound, many boaters find Port Townsend by boat.

Do not miss Fort Worden State Park, located just north of Port Townsend. Take a stroll on the curved sandy beach with the Point Wilson lighthouse at the other end. Enjoy the old concrete bunkers, RV parks, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking or just relax.