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Port Townsend Historical Sites

History > Historic Buildings

Name: US Post Office
Year Built: 1893
Location: 1322 Washington Street
Area: Uptown Port Townsend

The Port Townsend Federal Building was both US Customs House and Post Office when it was first built. Designed in the Romanesque style by W. J. Edbrooke, it is still in daily use by local residents. There is a small museum inside and offices located on the top floors.

This is the oldest federally constructed post office in Washington state, and the only example of Richardson Romanesque design in a federal building in Washington. More info and a glimpse at the USPS thoughts to selling this great old building are on the National Trust blog. Transfer of the Customs Port of Entry from Port Townsend to Port Angeles and back in the late 1800s and instituted by the evil Victor Smith is recorded here at HistoryLink.

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.