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Welcome to beautiful Gig Harbor. As the first destination on the Kitsap Peninsula after crossing the Narrows Bridge, this quaint Maritime Village is a favorite destination for people all over the world. This is a city that has preserved its history but also has many events that make this a vibrant community with incredible scenery, galleries, upscale shops, restaurants, beautiful gardens and many recreational activities. We are truly a "Healthy Harbor" in environment, community and residents. Come to Gig Harbor and see for yourself why our residents say they want to live here forever!
The renaissance of Gig Harbor over the past few years has created a renewed interest in the unique and rich heritage of this community. The new “Harbor History Museum” slated to open in 2007 will be the community resource for visitors and residents alike to “re” discover the maritime heritage of Gig Harbor.
The discovery of this “excellent little bay” by Captain Charles Wilkes in 1841 found a protected harbor with abundant fishing, lumber, rich soil surrounding and unsurpassed beauty. Wilkes was not the first to realize this treasure. Native Americans had long had a seasonal camp at the head of the harbor to reap the rewards of the salmon migration.
In 1867 Croatian fisherman Samuel Jersich became the first settler followed by many more Croatian and Scandinavian settlers. These pioneers built a commercial fishing community that also thrived on boat building, farming and logging.
Surrounded by water Gig Harbor slumbered for many years as a self-sustained community with little access to the outside communities. But in 1940 with the opening of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge the community passed into a new era that is still today changing and growing.
Don’t miss the Gig Harbor History Walk, a self guided walk through out downtown Gig Harbor. Pick up a History Walk Guide at multiple locations through out the community. The history walk is made even more entertaining through the placement of beautiful heritage markers at strategic locations through out the historic downtown. Provided by the City of Gig Harbor the heritage markers are a great way to learn some great facts and unknown history and local lore. You will also find more heritage markers when you expand your exploration out the Key Peninsula, Rosedale area and FoxIsland.
In addition to the Harbor History Museum, make sure to schedule time to visit the Fox Island Museum and the Key Peninsula Museum. The Fox Island museum includes Pacific Northwest Indian aritifacts, farm equipment, the largest collection of Pulley Blocks in Washington and a Acheson log cabin. At the Key Peninsula Museum, located in Vaughn, visitors learn how by preserving the past we can understand the development of the entire Key Peninsula Area.
Learn more about this city
City of GIG HARBOR, WA official site
City of GIG HARBOR, WA general information
City of GIG HARBOR, WA yellow pages
City of GIG HARBOR, WA newspaper
County of THURSTON, WA official site
Experience Washington