Visit Our Sponsors

Port Townsend Historical Sites

History > Historic Buildings

Name: Jefferson County Courthouse
Year Built: 1891
Location: Jefferson St.
Area: Uptown Port Townsend

Approved for construction in 1890 by the Jefferson County Commissioners, the Romanesque style courthouse was designed by Seattle architect W. A. Ritchie, and built at an estimated cost of $150,000.00. The Jefferson County Courthouse Clock Tower was installed in November 1892. The original plans called for a tower 140 feet tall, but for some unknown reason the tower measures only 124 feet, 4 inches. The bell rings out every hour of the day.

In the summer of 2006 the courthouse will be retro-fitted to secure the bell tower and to preserve the structure for the future. A bit of scaffolding on the tower and a silent bell until fall of 2006.

You can download a Courthouse Building history (PDF) from Jefferson County here >>

Some data modified from the National Register Information System. Many descriptions used by permission of the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce. All material copyrighted by PTguide.com.