[Page 61] Jefferson county

Jefferson county is the second county south of the entrance of Puget sound, stretching from the Pacific ocean eastward over the peaks of the Olympic mountains to Hood’s canal, and turning north gets a long waterfront also on Puget sound, and taps the Straits of Fuca.  It has a population of 11,000 people and 2,000 square miles of territory.

Resources.

The resources of this county are largely undeveloped, and yet it is one of the oldest settled counties in the state.  Originally its entire area, barring a few small patches, was heavily timbered, and it is estimated that the county still has twenty billion feet of standing timber.  Its soil is remarkably fertile, and the products of its farms have long been famous.

The Olympic mountains contain veins of precious metals, iron and manganese, none of which have as yet been thoroughly developed.

Fishing for salmon, sardines, shrimps, clams and crabs is a very important industry.

Soils, climate and products.

The soils of the county are largely sedimentary, having been washed down from the mountains for ages, assisted by the decomposition of vegetable matter accumulated through centuries.  In the valleys, where most of the farming is being done, these soils produce remarkable crops under the influence of the charming climate the county affords.

The rainfall in the eastern part of the county is moderate, but ample for all purposes; the average rainfall is about 20 inches.  The temperature rarely exceeds 80 degrees in summer, while the winter months average about 45 degrees.

Such soils and such climatic conditions combine to force wealth upon every industrious tiller of the soil.  Clover yields from four to six tons per acre.

Oats and vetches for ensilage purposes yield five to seven tons per acre.  Fifty to seventy-five tons of cabbage or mangles per acre are not uncommon, and onions and potatoes produce from six to ten tons.  The fruit trees, particularly cherries, apples, and pears, produce wonderful crops.  Cattle can graze ten months in the year or more, and the products of the dairies of Jefferson county cannot be excelled.

Because of the light rainfall and moderate weather, this county is admirably suited to poultry-raising.  Green food can be had twelve months in the year.  Runs can always be open, and with proper care hens can be made to pay $3.00 per year each.

Principal cities and towns.

Port Townsend, at the entrance of Puget sound, is the county seat and chief commercial center of the county.  It has a population of [Page 62] about 6,000.  It is the headquarters for many government institutions, including the U. S. customs service, U. S. revenue cutter service, marine hospital service, hydrographic service, quarantine service, and U. S. artillery for the Puget sound district.