Founded in the early 1850s, Port Townsend was one of the leading cities on Puget Sound in the late 19th century. The first settlers arrived here in 1851, and by 1853 the customs house was relocated here from Olympia, making it the official point of entry. The port offered safe moorage for the large sailing vessels of the time, and the economy prospered, first from providing supplies to gold seekers bound for British Columbia, then later from speculating on the prospects of attracting a transcontinental railroad line. Learn More...