The following 20th century dates and events in the history of Jefferson County are
considered significant from the standpoint of the genealogist and family
historian: Events were chosen, occasionally for whimsical reasons, because of their impact on the economy as well as population and migration. Return to Jefferson County WAGenWeb
home page
This is work in progress, and subject to revision with further research
Military
June 1902
Fort Worden declared Coastal Defense Headquarters.
1939
Point Hudson acquired by US Coast Guard for training recruits.
1940s
Military activity increased at Fort Worden for World War II
June 1, 1953
Fort Worden closed.
1973
Fort Worden dedicated as a state Park.
Beginning of the Victoriana Era.
Human Endeavor
1907
First ascent of Mount Olympus (which lies in Jefferson County.)
Surface Transportation
October 10, 1914
First automobile arrival in Port Townsend over the Olympic Loop Highway.
October 18, 1914
First auto trip from Port Townsend to the Pacific Ocean.
1925 - 1933?
The Port Townsend Branch of State Road No. 9 (Now US Highway 101) Olympic Highway was added to the state highway system (now State Highway #20.)
August 12. 1961
Hood Canal Bridge opened to traffic.
Feburary 13, 1979
Western half of Hood Canal Bridge sank in windstorm.
1979
Temporary Ferry service established between Edmonds and Port Townsend.
May 1981
Jefferson Transit began service.
October 24, 1982
Hood Canal Bridge reopened to traffic.
June 1984
Trains stopped running on the Seattle and North Coast Railroad.
Water Transportation
1925
Ferry slips installed on Union Wharf for auto ferry service to Seattle, Port Angeles, Victoria, and Keystone.
1953
Quincy Street Ferry Dock completed.
1996-1997
Union Wharf rebuilt.
Industry
1927 - 1929
Paper Mill constructed by Crown Zellerbach company.
1983
Paper mill purchased by Handl Papier of West Germany.
1997
Paper mill purchased by a Seattle-based investment firm.
Air Transportation
1931
US Army established emergency flying field at Station Prairie.
1946
Station Prairie Field came under local control.
1990s
Runways paved at Jefferson County International Airport.
Public Health
1934
Quarantine station erected at Point Hudson.
Government
1924
Port of Port Townsend established.
Early 1957
Fort Worden purchased by State of Washington for use as a juvenile diagnostic
and treatment center.
1971
Juvenile center at Fort Worden closed.
early 1990s
Jefferson County Commisioners held a formal meeting atop Mount Olympus.
Community Development
late 1960s
Pope and Talbot began development of Port Ludlow.
Culture and Entertainment
1973
Centrum founded as a center for arts and creativity.
1982
Movie: An Officer and a Gentleman, filmed in Port Townsend.
1999
Portions of Snow Falling on Cedars filmed in Port Townsend.