Enter an ancient forest and find yourself sheltered by giant trees reaching more than 200 feet into the sky. Western hemlock and western red-cedar, some as old as 850 years, are the dominant trees in Mount Rainier’s old-growth lowland forests. These . . . — — Map (db m62156) HM
Advertised as a place "where the flowers and the glaciers meet,” Paradise Inn opened on July 4, 1917. Here tourists arrived wearing long skirts and woolen traveling suits, "seeking a renewal of spirit in the vast world out-of-doors.”
Today, . . . — — Map (db m129378) HM
This structure was a close relative to the Carbon Hill Coal Company’s brick store that sat directly across from it on Pershing Avenue. Right around 1880, this building held Carbonado’s first Post Office. It’s known that a barber shop once inhabited . . . — — Map (db m54791) HM
Tablet #1 On September 11, 2001, nineteen Al-Qaeda terrorists attacked the United States homeland. In less than 4 hours they killed nearly 3,000 men, women and children. Countless extraordinary Americans answered the call to defend this . . . — — Map (db m40169) WM
Named in honor of M/Sgt Wilburn K. Ross who was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 30 October 1944 near St. Jacques, France. After his unit, Company G, 30th Infantry, 3rd . . . — — Map (db m40170) HM
The Elbe Lutheran congregation was founded in 1893 by settlers from Germany. For the first 13 years, services were held in members' homes and the town hall.
Elbe Evangelische Lutherische Kirche was built in 1906. The building's dimensions are 18 . . . — — Map (db m129483) HM
"Memory Vessel" was commissioned by the City to honor the Scandinavian heritage of families that influenced early development at the head of the bay. The artwork references the bond between the Scandinavian cultures and the sea. The vessel . . . — — Map (db m179836) HM
The newly built Memorial Presbyterian Church was dedicated on September 13, 1913, under the leadership of Reverend Thomas J. Weekes. Since 1893, Rev. Weekes had been teaching and preaching on the Peninsula. The site for the church was donated by . . . — — Map (db m180044) HM
This area at the mouth of Donkey Creek was once the village site of the S'Homamish Indians. Gig Harbor was then known as Tua'wILkel or Twa-wal-kut.
As part of the Puget Salish people of the Pacific Northwest, the S'Homamish spoke a form of . . . — — Map (db m179871) HM
The vacant log along the shore below hides the story of one of the community's most remarkable pioneer women. Theresa Sweeney was born in Ireland and received her college education in England. She came to America in 1893 and settled in Gig . . . — — Map (db m179828) HM
Boat building was one of the first industries on Gig Harbor's waterfront, beginning with the launch of the Vine in 1890 at the Gig Harbor Mill. More than 140 wooden boats were constructed along the waterfront between 1912 and 1931 at three . . . — — Map (db m179922) HM
The settlement of Gig Harbor by white people actually began on the east side of the harbor. Samuel Jerisich arrived in Gig Harbor in 1867 and built a small cabin on the east side of the bay near the sandpit. Later, the Jerisich family moved to . . . — — Map (db m179983) HM
Austin Mill: Employment to Many in Area
While his wife and children waited in Maltby (Wa), Charles Osgood Austin arrived in Gig Harbor in 1909. He was looking for a good place to build a saw mill.
Austin liked a small, low point of . . . — — Map (db m179865) HM
In the late 1800s and the first decade of the 1900s, this was the corner of a 10-acre park extending from People's Dock to today's Pioneer Way. It had rustic tables, an outdoor dance floor, and a mineral water spring. It was a place for picnics . . . — — Map (db m179998) HM
In the 1930s, life in Gig Harbor centered on earning a living, tending to family, and building a community. One independent, creative individual went a step further. C.E. Shaw made it his mission to put fun into harbor life. A true showman, Shaw . . . — — Map (db m179869) HM
City welcomes favorite carver to create masterpiece at local park. An epic marine and wildlife totem for the community of Gig Harbor to enjoy.
What you can find in the sculpture:
Birds: Eagle, Hawk, Owls, Seagull, Heron, King Fisher, . . . — — Map (db m179912) HM
Puget Sound: Fast Facts
• The Puget Sound is the second largest estuary in the United States, after the Chesapeake Bay.
• A "sound" is an arm, inlet, or recessed portion of the sea.
• Advancing glaciers carved out the Puget Sound . . . — — Map (db m179931) HM
In 1867, Sam Jerisich, Peter Goldsmith, and John Farrague were fishing in Puget Sound when bad weather prompted them to seek shelter in Gig Harbor. They liked what they saw and decided to make it their home, becoming the first three white people . . . — — Map (db m179977) HM
Anchor Donated by
Marion N. Stancic
In Memory of a Fishing Family:
Nickolas Castelan, Sr. 1874-1921
John (Evo) Stancic 1891-1971
John B. Stancic 1905-1974
John S. Jerkovich, Sr. 1896-1974
George A. Plancich, Sr. 1898-1963 . . . — — Map (db m179982) HM
Crescent Creek runs three miles from Crescent Lake to the bay. Early on, families began to homestead in Crescent Valley, making their living through ranching, farming, and dairy operations. Joseph Goodman, a Civil War veteran, brought his family . . . — — Map (db m179911) HM
On nearby docks you can see some of Gig Harbor's fishing fleet.
The salmon-rich waters of Puget Sound made Gig Harbor an ideal home for fisherman. Founded largely by immigrants from Croatia in the late 1800s, this industry became the center . . . — — Map (db m179925) HM
This corner is rich in local history. When the first white men settled in Gig Harbor, they shared the bay with the Native American people who lived in a village on this corner. In the mid 1880s, the Indians permitted the use of one of their . . . — — Map (db m179889) HM
Harry Richard Thurston was born October 10, 1889, in Minnesota. He moved to Gig Harbor in 1919 from Tacoma. Thurston had been an electrical contractor in Minnesota. In Gig Harbor, he sold and serviced portable light plants, set up switchboards, . . . — — Map (db m179992) HM
In memory of the fishermen of Gig Harbor who have gone to sea
at great risk with passion and hard work, this statue is a tribute
to an industry upon whose labor our community was founded.
LOST AT SEA
John Ancich, Jr. • . . . — — Map (db m179979) HM
This Craftsman-Bungalow style house was only a cabin before 1910. One of Gig Harbor's early Croatian Fishing Families, John Maljich (Malich) arrived in 1890. By 1903, he mined in Trinidad, Colorado. Then in 1904, he wrote home with "I'm ready to . . . — — Map (db m179927) HM
Called the head of the harbor, North Gig Harbor, or Finholm's Marketplace, this area was the harbor's first downtown. Beginning in the 1880s and into the early 1920s it was home to the community's first mercantile, first library, first phone . . . — — Map (db m179830) HM
Settlers from Albert Lea, Minnesota, established Gig Harbor's first sawmill, the Gig Harbor Lumber Company, near this spot on the waterfront in 1887. The sawmill cut as much as 100,000 board feet of lumber daily. Its 450-foot wharf could . . . — — Map (db m179980) HM
In 1975, Peninsula High School was the first school in Washington State to initiate a salmon rearing program.
The students and faculty helped raise salmon for the Puget Sound and local streams, including Crescent Creek.
Project Key . . . — — Map (db m179915) HM
Peninsula Light Company's roots in Gig Harbor date back to 1924, when the community began to discuss how it could form its own electric utility. At the time, Tacoma Power was building a transmission line through the peninsulas to deliver power . . . — — Map (db m179874) HM
The People's Dock was established near here about 1890. At the time, it was one of three docks in the harbor servicing freight and passenger traffic on steamboats. In 1923, the People's Dock became the community's car ferry dock. It served . . . — — Map (db m180041) HM
Andrew and Bertha Skansie purchased this property just after the turn of the century, first building a cabin on the beach. In 1910 they constructed the brick home. Andrew was a young but accomplished stone mason, bringing the skill from Croatia . . . — — Map (db m179984) HM
This property has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Andrew & Bertha
Skansie Netshed & House
~Circa 1910~
This property . . . — — Map (db m179929) HM
SETTLING THE WATERSHED
Historically, Crescent Creek watershed was altered by human settlement through logging and farming. Today shoreline development continues to alter the watershed.
PHOTO: Dr. Hiram Herbert Rust on Crescent Creek . . . — — Map (db m179917) HM
The head of the bay business district included a post office, livery stable, general store, and real estate office. Around 1907, Swedish Captain Axel Uddenberg built his home and opened a meat market near this site. "Front Street", now . . . — — Map (db m179837) HM
"The Landing" draws from Gig Harbor's rich
maritime history. The name and form refer to the
landing of the captain's gig from the 1841 Wilkes
Expedition. It also recalls the time when rowboats were
a main form of transportation and pays . . . — — Map (db m180043) HM
Chum Salmon
[informational and not transcribed]
What's With All Those Barrels?
The barrels you see next to Donkey Creek are part of a Remote Site Incubator (RSI) system which was initiated by local commercial fishermen in . . . — — Map (db m179873) HM
This building is dedicated to the Sehmel Family,
pioneers of the Gig Harbor Peninsula
[photo of the Sehmel house]
W.L.C. Henry Sehmel homesteaded in the Rosedale area in 1884. In 1887, Henry married Dora Gummert. Dora made her way to . . . — — Map (db m179887) HM
MARTY HOEY
(1951-1982)
Marty Hoey distinguished herself as a climbing guide for Rainier Mountaineering. Lou Whittaker invited her to join the 1982 Mount Everest Expedition to challenge the previously unclimbed Tibetan North Ridge. She . . . — — Map (db m179834) HM
A southern extension of Old Military Road that extended from Ft. Vancouver, Ft. Nisqually and Fort Steilacoom thru Nachess Pass to Walla Walla.
The roadway passed thru Frontier Park at this site in 1889. This Marker was dedicated by Pierce . . . — — Map (db m197182) HM
Mud on the Move. Along with lava and ash, the
volcanically active Mount Rainier has contributed thick flows of mud from its sides and summit. One of the largest mudflows occurred about 5,800 years ago sending thick rivers of mud down the White . . . — — Map (db m84414) HM
Why is the River White? Particles the size and color of plaster
dust give the White River its distinctive
pale hue. These particles are what geologists call “glacial flour”—a fitting name for the pulverized rock from the . . . — — Map (db m84396) HM
Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the first public observance of our national birth day on the Pacific Coast or west of the Missouri River by Capt. Charles Wilkes, U.S.N. and the officers and marines of his fleet on Monday, July 5th, 1841, on . . . — — Map (db m220493) HM
In honor of the men and women who served in the armed forces of the United States of America. They served, and many sacrificed their lives, not only to preserve the freedoms which we enjoy today, but to bring freedom to people and nations . . . — — Map (db m41552) HM
Side A
1852Congress appropriated $20,000 for a military road from Fort Steilacoom to Fort Walla Walla. The road was made passable 1885.
Side B Supplementing the appropriation made by congress citizens helped build the military . . . — — Map (db m28032) HM
Over 3,200 psychiatric patients from Western State Hospital were buried here from 1876 to 1953. Since then, burial has been elsewhere. The graves are marked with numbers for privacy reasons and the stigma of mental illness. These people worked on . . . — — Map (db m28029) HM
36 ALS In memory of our thirteen airmen who lost their lives 30 November 1992 65-0255 Capt Edward D Parent Jr • Capt Banks E Wilkinson • Capt Kevin M Maquire 8ALS • 1st Lt Edward H Hoyle III • TSgt Peter L Osterfeld • SSgt Monte L Bissett • . . . — — Map (db m44249) HM
The C-45 was developed from the Beech Model 18 civil transport which first flew on 15 January 1937. The USAAF placed orders for its first aircraft in 1940, acquiring nearly 1300 of the Beech 18s modified for various missions. These included light . . . — — Map (db m43924) HM
On 13 December 1956, McChord's 325th FW's 317th FIS upon receiving their first F-102, was the base's first fighter squadron to go "supersonic". the 325th's other squadron, the 318th FIS would receive their first F-102 one year later. In an effort to . . . — — Map (db m42735) HM
F-106A S/N 56-0459 was the primary aircraft flown during USAF's World Speed Record operation named "Project Firewall". Piloting another F-106, Capt. Joe Rogers set the record of 1595.95 MPH on 15 December 1959, a record that stands today for a . . . — — Map (db m42731) HM
The Douglas B-18 was a military adaptation of the company's DC-2 airliner sharing a similar powerplant, wing and tail designs. Although obsolete by the end of 1941, the number of aircraft available made B-18s the most important long-range bomber in . . . — — Map (db m43914) HM
In 1938, the Douglas Aircraft Co. developed the B-23 Dragon to rectify the shortcomings of its B-18 Bolo. the B-23 Dragon featured upgraded engines, a considerably refined fuselage, and a tail gun position not found in the B-18. Beginning in early . . . — — Map (db m43915) HM
The C-124 on display completed the last flight of a Globemaster II on its delivery from Willow Run Airport, MI to McChord AFB on 09 October 1986. C-124's were assigned to the base from 1951 - 1969. Proudly maintained by the McChord Air Museum — — Map (db m43918) HM
The C-47 first entered service in 1941 and became the backbone of the U.S. Army Air Forces airlift capability during World War II. Between 1942-1945, C-47s helped the 62d Troop Carrier Group make their mark on the front lines of North Africa and . . . — — Map (db m43916) HM
This F-16 protected our nation's capitol on September 11, 2001 Dedicated to the men and women who defend America's skies May 21, 2008 — — Map (db m43921) HM
In 1946, the 62d Troop Carrier Group received their first C-82s while stationed at Bergstrom TX in 1946. The unit would later move to McChord AFB on August 15, 1947. The 62d gained valuable experience during "Project Yukon" as operation that . . . — — Map (db m43917) HM
On 05 January 1993, the 354th Fighter Squadron "Bulldogs" activated at McChord AFB, geographically separated from their parent unit, the 355th Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. While at McChord, the 354th flew over 15,000 sorties in 11 deployments to . . . — — Map (db m42734) HM
The T-33 was a familiar sight at McChord for almost 40 years, flying lastly with the 318th FIS until the T-33 retirement on 04 February 1988. T-33's were used for instrument training, certification or requalification of pilots, simulated targets for . . . — — Map (db m42954) HM
The "Tacoma Starlifter" was the first C-141 assigned to 62d Military Airlift Wing on 05 August 1966. McChord AFB active and reserve units flew the C-141's from the base between 1966-2001. Proudly maintained by the McChord Air Museum — — Map (db m43919) HM
The Royal Canadian Air Forces 409th Fighter Squadron based at Comox B.C. began replacing their worn CF-100s with CF-101s in mid 1961. While assigned to the 25th NORAD Region, the 409th FS "Nighthawks" commitment in the defense of the Pacific . . . — — Map (db m42733) HM
On 10 June 1983 McChord's 318th FIS received its first F-15 replacing the units venerable F-106. The 318th "Green Dragons" captured the 1984 Hughes Achievement Trophy, presented to USAF's Top Fighter Squadron. In 1989, plans to convert the 318th FIS . . . — — Map (db m42732) HM
The first operational F-86D entered USAF Squadron service in March of 1951, with McChord's 317th FIS, and the 465th FIS receiving their first aircraft in 1953. The 465th FIS was later redesignated as the 318th FIS on 18 August 1955 under . . . — — Map (db m42953) HM
Sculpture plaque Dedicated to All Former Prisoners of War by Christmastown U.S.A. Chapter American Ex-Prisoners of War Shelton, Washington 1999 Left Tablet Code of Conduct {This tablet was not transcribed or photographed, but can . . . — — Map (db m44246) HM
A testament to the durability of concrete bridges.
The McMillin Bridge is the only structure of its kind in the world. This through truss bridge, which is designed for longer spans and heavier loads, has a truly unique configuration. The . . . — — Map (db m142033) HM
Since the early 1900s people have parked at this site to get an exceptional view of Mount Rainier. The park road was designed to harmonize with the landscape and take advantage of spectacular vistas like this one.
The surrounding scenery has . . . — — Map (db m70745) HM
Does this forest look different than the forest on the other side of the river? Multiple mudflows have raced down Mount Rainier’s slopes snapping off trees like toothpicks. When the mud stopped flowing, it set like concrete over tree roots, . . . — — Map (db m70743) HM
Not long ago, the waters of Kautz Creek filled this creek bed. Today only a small stream flows here. Kautz Creek has moved.
Along with record rainfall, early November 2006 brought debris flows to several areas of the park. Not far from here, . . . — — Map (db m70744) HM
Along this short trail, discover clues to one of the most powerful geologic forces that has shaped Mount Rainier.
Mudflows have thundered down this valley, topping trees, damaging bridges and leaving behind thick layers of mud and debris. . . . — — Map (db m70742)
Front of Marker:
Monument Expedition
Camp One
29 Jan 1906
Left Side of Marker:
This stone is donated by
Gregory L. Meeker
Cousin to Ezra
In honor of Bobby and Helen Meeker who taught their son the love of . . . — — Map (db m39786) HM
For hundreds of years, South Hill has been at the crossroad of some of our nation's most fundamental changes. The South Hill Heritage Corridor traces four historic trade routes the stories of which, contributed to the rich history of our state. . . . — — Map (db m197184) HM
First School Session North of Columbia (River) -1854
Refuge During Indian War 1855-56
Occupied by families of Rev. J.F. Devore 1853
Abram Woolery 1854
Sherwood Bonney 1854-1856 — — Map (db m28031) HM
From the Daily Ledger, Tacoma Washington, Sunday, June 15, 1913:
"The Browns Point bell was cast in 1855 by Bernard & Co. bell foundry in Philadelphia, and was brought around the Horn in 1857 by the first lighthouse tender to come to . . . — — Map (db m180046) HM
Boat House
The Boat House and Boat Ramp were built in 1905. Light keeper Oscar Brown's primary means of transportation was a boat and several times per week he rowed to Tacoma for his mail and supplies, once bringing back a young calf. . . . — — Map (db m180067) HM
Documented history of Puget Sound began in 1792, when Captain George Vancouver, sailing for King George III of England, explored and charted this expansive waterway. He named the large inland waterway Puget Sound for his first mate, Peter . . . — — Map (db m180081) HM
In 1952, the Coast Guard authorized construction of a Crew Quarters to house two men to help with the care of the light station. Built with pieces of barracks suplused from another station, this small wood frame building had a kitchen, bunk . . . — — Map (db m180057) HM
Constructed in 1945 by the U.S. Coast Guard, this concrete building sits 25 feet behind the lighthouse. It held the backup generator for the lighthouse light and foghorn, and served as the watch room for the light keepers. The watch room was . . . — — Map (db m180084) HM
The first lighthouse and this cottage were built during the summer of 1903 by the United States Lighthouse Service. The tender Heather delivered Oscar Brown and his wife Annie, along with their furniture which included an upright . . . — — Map (db m180058) HM
The Boat House and Boat Ramp were built in 1905 for a surf boat that was necessary for a light keeper. Oscar Brown's primary means of transportation and communication was by rowboat. Several times per week he rowed to Tacoma for his mail, supplies . . . — — Map (db m197551) HM
Much of the Browns Point Light Keeper's cottage story is the story of Oscar Brown, its first and longest occupant. Oscar and Annie Brown arrived at Browns Point on a United States Government boat October 26, 1903 with their personal belongings, . . . — — Map (db m197225) HM
The United States Lighthouse Service hung an acetylene, white light lens lantern from a post on this site December 12, 1887. A light keeper rowed out to Browns Point from Tacoma once a week to change the wick and polish the lantern, The light guided . . . — — Map (db m197215) HM
From the Daily Ledger, Tacoma, Washington, Sunday, June 15th, 1913
“ The Browns Point bell was cast in 1855 by Bernard & Co, bell foundry in Philadelphia, and was brought around the Horn in 1857 by the first lighthouse tender . . . — — Map (db m197552) HM
on the point was first built in 1907 marking the beginnings of residential community life here. The dock provided access to this former Salish Indian gathering spot. Soon lost to the elements, a second dock was built farther down the beach, and . . . — — Map (db m180091) HM
In Commemoration of
George Francis Train's
Record Around the World Trip
Point of Departure and Return
March 19, 1890 - May 24, 1890
Time 67 Days 13 Hours — — Map (db m175304) HM
In honor of Rossell G. O’Brien who in the Bostwick Building, Tacoma, Washington, on October 18, 1893, during regular session of the Washington Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the USA, did originate the custom of standing . . . — — Map (db m220486) HM
Murray Morgan Bridge History
1873 Northern Pacific Railroad chooses Tacoma as its western terminus
1895 Swing bridge on 11th Street over City Waterway completed
1913 City constructs current vertical lift bridge; opens . . . — — Map (db m197161) HM
Under the provisions of the National
Historic Preservation Act of
October 16, 1966, this property
possesses exceptional value in
commemorating or illustrating
American history
Placed on the National Register on
May 17, 1974 by the . . . — — Map (db m197160) HM
Despite the attempted interference by her physician peers, Dr. Alice Maude Smith came to Tacoma from Chicago in 1898 where she built a successful practice. — — Map (db m99341) HM
One person can build a log cabin with very few tools. Carr felled the trees
surrounding his home site. Notched ends fit together, with quartered saplings
to fill the gaps between the logs. Cedar shingles covered the roof. The front porch
and rear . . . — — Map (db m157829) HM
"When becoming fully satisfied that Commencement Bay was the best harbor in the
Sound, had the best supply of fresh water, and by far the best approaches and
surroundings, and from twenty-five miles the best geographical position, I . . . — — Map (db m157739) HM
Family and community life were always a part of the Tacoma City settlement.
Residents contributed funds for a school building in 1869. J.P Stewart was the
first teacher for thirteen students. In 1873, mill workers built St. Peter's Church . . . — — Map (db m157747) HM
Emma Smith Devoe moved to Tacoma in 1905. She was President of the Washington Equal Suffrage Association and worked constantly to win the women's right to vote. — — Map (db m99340) HM
Ester Allstrum was a well respected Tacoma food inspector. National magazines recognized her as "the woman who has made Tacoma famous for its model food ordinance." — — Map (db m168252) HM
Fannie Paddock moved from New York to Tacoma to build Tacoma's first hospital. Fannie died on her trip to Tacoma, but in 1882 the Fannie C. Paddock Memorial Hospital was dedicated. — — Map (db m99339) HM
Janet Elder Steele built the first hotel in Old Town in 1869 at the corner of 30th and Carr Streets. Operating until 1883, the hotel had 24 rooms and was famous for its good food and cleanliness. — — Map (db m157587) HM
A teacher at Grant Elementary for 37 years, Miss Jones' teaching style was ahead of its time using imaginative art and exploration. She developed close relationships with her students. — — Map (db m99471) HM
Job Carr, a recently discharged Union war veteran, came to Commencement Bay in 1864. In the
winter of 1864-65 he began clearing
land for a small log cabin near today's
North 30th and McCarver in an area
now called Old Town Tacoma. By . . . — — Map (db m157618) HM
Margaret (Maggie) Davis was a
Puyallup Indian. Married at 16, she
raised 14 children in Old Tacoma. She
would strap her children to her back
and row across the bay to Vashon
to dig for clams. — — Map (db m157830) HM
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