Named by English explorer Capt. George Vancouver in 1792, Port Townsend did not attract its first settlers until 1851. However, by the 1880s the town had become an important shipping port and was expected to grow into one of the most important cities on the West Coast. Port Townsend felt that it was the logical end of the line for the transcontinental railroad that was pushing westward in the 1880s, and based on the certainty of a railroad connection, real estate speculation and development boomed.

Today the streets of Port Townsend are once again crowded with people. The waterfront district is filled with boutiques, galleries, and other interesting shops, and many of the Victorian homes atop the bluff have become bed-and-breakfast inns.

Port Townsend has a public indoor swimming pool, 3 golf courses, 16 tennis courts, ample designated hiking trails, 160 acres of public parks as well many other public spaces including beach access and boat launches.

 

Port Townsend's primary industry base consists of Pulp and paper, marine trades, boat building, health services, retail, wood products, diversified manufacturing and tourism.

 

Port Townsend boasts a lively schedule of performing arts presentations, workshops and festivals. The Centrum headquartered at Fort Worden sponsors over 75 annual events including the Port Townsend Jazz and Blues Festivals.

 

The annual Port Townsend Film Festival has grown in popularity and offerings at an exponential pace since it's inception over a decade ago and has included many guest celebrities of the film industry including Peter Fonda, Tony Curtis, Deborah Winger, Elliott Gould and Jane Powell. The festival is billed annually as "A film lover's block party" celebrating great films and filmmakers.

 

Port Townsend's property tax is $14.45 / $1000, sales tax is 8.2%.

 

Port Townsend is a great place to live, work, raise a family and enjoy numerous recreational activities.  The community is very supportive of the Port Townsend School District providing enriching activities through Centrum, the Northwest Maritime Center and Wooden Boat Foundation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the YMCA, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, PTA, the Port Townsend Education Foundation, and various other youth oriented activities and clubs.