Port Hadlock-Irondale brings boatbuilding, maritime themes, and industrial history together in one destination. Its historic sites tell stories of iron, steel, and former businesses; at Port Hadlock Marina, the waterfront setting and adjoining outdoor areas take center stage. This makes it possible to explore the area through both its history and its present-day connection to the water.
Boatbuilding and Maritime History
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is located on the water in Lower Port Hadlock and offers five-day intensive courses on Marine Systems topics. This brings a contemporary boatbuilding theme into focus alongside the historic industrial businesses. The history of the Washington Mill Company also has a present-day connection: the company’s former site in Port Hadlock is now used by the Wooden Boat School.
Irondale’s Industrial History
The Irondale Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register. Historic building foundations and charcoal-fired furnaces remain at the site of the Irondale Iron and Steel Plant. At the former Irondale site, iron and steel were produced intermittently under various owners from 1881 to 1919. The qualification “intermittently” is important: 1881 to 1919 refers to the entire period, not to continuous operation.
The Alcohol Plant in Port Hadlock opened in June 1911 and processed sawdust into alcohol. It used the Berigus Process, which was based on the work of Louis Pasteur. Alcohol production thus forms a different part of the area’s industrial history from iron and steel production. Irondale Beach County Park reopened after cleanup work at the former Irondale Iron and Steel Plant.
Homes, Businesses, and People
Individual buildings also contribute to the area’s history. The Galster House is the only surviving building in Lower Hadlock associated with the once-thriving Washington Mill Company. The Captain Shibles House was built around 1895 by Capt. Peter Shibles. Shibles later became captain of the Milwaukee Railroad’s steel steam tug “Milwaukee.” The Captain Shibles House thus connects its architectural history with its builder’s later maritime career.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Hadlock was incorporated in 1905. This date offers another historical reference point alongside the Captain Shibles House, built around 1895. Together, the buildings reflect different historical connections: to the once-thriving Washington Mill Company, to a maritime biography, and to Port Hadlock’s institutional history.
Marina and Boat Launch
Port Hadlock Marina is located in the protected waters of the southern part of Port Townsend Bay. The marina is bordered by 600 feet of waterfront beach, as well as a scenic lawn and picnic area. The boat launch is immediately south of Port Hadlock’s business district and is best suited to small boats.
For travelers interested in a maritime focus, the distinction is practical: the marina offers protected waters and adjoining outdoor areas, while the boat launch is for small boats. Together with the historic buildings and industrial landmarks, this offers a choice between local history, boatbuilding, and the waterfront, without requiring these themes to be combined into a set route.
Discover more destinations: Chimacum, Port Townsend, Marrowstone, Port Ludlow
Return to the main travel overview: Jefferson County.
