6 Time-Capsule Towns in Washington

Archaeological evidence indicates that Native Americans have lived in the area now known as Washington State for at least 12,000 years, with European settlements arriving in the early 19th century. As a result, the state boasts a remarkably diverse past, filled with Indigenous museums, Lewis and Clark sites, and 19th-century forts. If you are hoping to explore some of the state’s tremendous history, these six time-capsule towns should be on your itinerary.

Steilacoom

Incorporated in 1854, Steilacoom is the oldest incorporated town in the State of Washington. The town is notably home to Fort Steilacoom, a mid-19th-century fort established to secure American influence in the Puget Sound region and one of the earliest developments in the country’s Pacific Defense System. Today, travelers can visit the site of this fort for themselves, exploring museum exhibits and four original structures from the period. The fort also offers guided tours of the property, which last about an hour in total.

The Steilacoom Historical Museum Association has several historic sites around town to check out as well, such as the 1895 Bair Drug & Hardware Store and the 1870s Wagon Shop. To see what life was like for the area’s pioneers, make sure to stop by the Nathaniel Orr Pioneer Home, which dates back to 1857 and displays a rare two-story vertical plank-box construction.

Dayton

Travelers interested in Lewis and Clark heritage will love visiting Dayton, as the famous explorers once passed through the area in 1806. Travelers can experience this legacy at the Lewis & Clark Trail State Park, a 36-acre camping park along the Touchet River, where it is easy to imagine what the explorers saw more than two centuries ago. With indigenous history long predating the arrival of Lewis and Clark, travelers can visit the Palus Museum to learn about the Palus people, a nomadic tribe of the area. The museum features locally discovered indigenous artifacts, a Lewis and Clark exhibit, and pioneer homestead relics. Other sites to add to your itinerary include the Boldman House, a 19th and 20th century, Queen Anne style home that contains numerous original artifacts.

Friday Harbor

Thanks to its sheltered bay and deep water for anchorage, Friday Harbor became a prominent commercial and cultural hub in the 1890s, a legacy still reflected in the town’s museums today. Travelers can begin their historical journey at the San Juan Historical Museum, which is located on the site of a historic farmstead from the 1880s. Landmarks you can see on the property include the original farmhouse, milkhouse, carriage house, and root house. There is an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents to explore as well.

After exploring the town’s early history, head to the Whale Museum, which dives into the story and lives of these ancient creatures. Just three blocks from Ferry Landing, the museum is housed in a historic building and features exhibits, videos, and special events dedicated completely to whales! Those who want to try their luck at spotting some of these majestic creatures in the wild can head to Lime Kiln Point State Park, which is one of the best places in the country to go whale watching, and is also home to a lighthouse that dates back to 1919, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is one of only three towns to be recognized as a Victorian Seaport on the National Register of Historic Places. With an abundance of history dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, it is also no surprise that the entire downtown area is a National Historic District! The Jefferson County Courthouse, for example, was constructed in 1890, built from deep red bricks and nearly 800 tons of Alaskan sandstone. To truly transport yourself back in time, make sure to visit the Rothschild House as well, an 1868 home that uses original furnishings from the 19th and 20th centuries to create a true time capsule. Fort Worden Historical State Park is also in the city limits, preserving one of the country’s early 20th-century defense projects with historic gun batteries, museums, exhibits, and more on the grounds.

Winthrop

First settled by Native Americans who resided along the area’s rivers, the first White settlers arrived in Winthrop in 1883, lured by the promise of gold. One of the most prominent settlers was Guy Waring, whose home is now part of the Shafer Museum. Travelers can visit this museum for themselves, appreciating the grounds, viewing archives, or signing up ahead of time for a guided tour with a docent. Waring later built a saloon in the late 19th century, which survived a devastating town fire and now serves as the Winthrop Town Hall. If you prefer to visit an operating saloon in Winthrop, you are in luck! The town is also home to the Three-Fingered Jack’s Saloon, which is one of the state’s oldest legally operating saloons, serving cold drinks, hearty dishes, and the classic historic ambiance you would hope for from such a saloon.

Ilwaco

Originally home to the Chinookan people, Ilwaco was later settled in the mid-19th century, with many people drawn to the area for its excellent fishing opportunities. Travelers can begin their exploration of the town’s history at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, which exhibits various stages of the area’s past, including Chinook culture and the logging and fishing industries. Cape Disappointment State Park is another highlight, featuring 2,023 acres of ocean tidelands, saltwater marshes, and freshwater lakes, along with landmarks like the North Head Lighthouse and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Unwind for the evening at the Inn at Harbour Village, originally built in 1926 as a Presbyterian Church and now operating as an inn featuring vintage furnishings, antiques, and other charming details.

A State That Preserves Its Past

Not only is Washington filled with history, but it also knows how to preserve it. Old forts have been converted into state parks, and many of these towns’ historical societies have stepped up to ensure that 19th- and 20th-century landmarks remain in good hands for years to come. You can even experience some of these towns’ history firsthand, enjoying a drink at an old saloon or spending the night at a historic inn. By the end of your trip, you might even find yourself questioning what century you are in!