Port Townsend in Jefferson County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
The Belmont
Est. 1889
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2021
1. The Belmont Marker
In 1885, George Sterming realized his lifelong dream. On this site he erected the building which still bears his name. The upper floor was devoted to office suites and the ground floor housed the soon to be famous Belmont Restaurant and Saloon.
Sterming, a shrewd and experienced saloon keeper, catered primarily to the maritime trade, offering good food, strong whiskey and a convivial atmosphere. The patrons were an eclectic mix of sea captains, cargo brokers, adventurers and runners, gamblers and hustlers.
Pandemonium and a sort of organized confusion reigned, cigar smoke clouded the air. Merchants squabbled about damaged goods. Cargo brokers negotiated rates and hustlers spread gossip.
The Captains, iron fisted and cunning Yankee traders, sat quietly at their end of the massive bar and exchanged news of successes and calamities. And in the corners, newly arrived passengers thanked their individual gods for the end of an often terrifying passage.
The Belmont today is Port Townsend's only remaining 1880s waterfront restaurant and saloon and has received AAA's approval and "Northwest Best
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2021
2. The Belmont Marker at the Sterming Block
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 48° 6.846′ N, 122° 45.42′ W. Marker is in Port Townsend, Washington, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Water Street east of Tyler Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Sterming Block. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 925 Water Street, Port Townsend WA 98368, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Port Townsend's First Settlers' Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizens Independent Telephone Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Hastings Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Smuggling (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Wharf: A Century of Continuous Service (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Townsend.
Also see . . . The Belmont: Our History. (Submitted on August 17, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2021
3. Sterming Block Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 17, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
