オリンピック半島の最北東端に位置する、人口約8,000人の港町。この町は、19世紀後半の全盛期から残る、ビクトリア時代の建築物が多く 残されていることで有名。また、映画「愛と青春の旅立ち」の舞台としても有名で、ジェニファー・ロペス主演の映画「Enough」など多くの
映画のロケ地として使われている。ワシントン州でも有数の観光地、保養地として毎年多くの人々が訪れる。
ポート・タウンゼンドの名前は、1792年に現在の米国北西部周辺を探検していたジョージ・バンクーバー船長が、友人のタウンゼンド氏にち なんで名づけたことに由来する。公式に町が設立されたのは1851年で、当初は米国西海岸最大の漁港となることが予想されており、1800年代
後半には漁港として発展した。その後シアトルが漁港として発展し始めたこと、ノーザン・パシフィック鉄道が本土とポート・タウンゼンド を結ばなかったことなどにより衰退したが、全盛期の経済の発展に伴う人口の急増に対応するため建てられたビクトリア様式の家やビルなど
は、今では町のトレードマークとして多くの人に親しまれている。
•ポート・タウンゼンドはシャクナゲが群生することでも有名で、毎年ローディ・フェスティバル（シャクナゲ祭り）が開催される。フェス ティバル中にはロードデンドロン（シャクナゲ）ガーデンが一般に公開され、ローディクイーン達も参加するレセプション、ビクトリア風の
建物が残る目抜き通りで行われるローディフェスティバル・グランドパレードなど、様々なイベントが催される。この日には姉妹都市である 兵庫県市川町からも親善訪問団が訪れ、パレードに参加する。
•他にも、毎年夏にはジャズ・フェスティバルや木製ボート・フェスティバル、オリンピック音楽祭などの文化的な催しが毎週末のように行 われ、たくさんの観光客を呼んでいる。
姉妹都市交流
ポート・タウンゼンドは2002年10月から兵庫県市川町と姉妹都市提携を結んでいる。市川町とポート・タウンゼンドは一年交代でお互いの町 を訪問することになっており、それぞれの町のイベントやお祭などへの参加を通して積極的に文化交流を行っている。
写真は2005年、ポート・タウンゼンドから日本への訪問の際に撮られたもの。
参考：
http://www/ptguide.com/rhodyfest/
http://www.ptguide.com/
http://www.enjoypt.com/
http://www.ptchamber.org/
Port Townsend – Ichikawa from Oct. 2002
The community of Port Townsend is as varied as the geography that surrounds
it. From recreation in the Olympic Mountains to drama at the downtown theatre,
the reflection of life here is both connected to the land and to the people.
Discovery Bay, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Port Townsend Bay surround
the city as it sits at the northeast end of the Quimper Peninsula. It is
the seat of Jefferson County.
It is an eclectic community of artists, long-time residents, boat folks
and those looking to avoid the standard cookie-cutter placesaround it.
The politics are contentious, because everyone is right, of course. The
music and theatre scene are
thriving, and there are many hidden gems in the visual arts, writing and poetry of the area.
Historically, PT was major seaport in the 1800's, and most of that eras'
original architecture has remained. Port Townsend is one of only three
Victorian seaports in the U.S. on the National Historic Register.
Besides an active historical theme, Port Townsend also combines the best of developing and established artists of all
disciplines in presenting workshops, events, Gallery Walks, October's Art
in Port Townsend juried art show and festivals year
-round. You can never have enough art and PT is considered one of the best
small-town art communities in the nation.
Many of today's industries are still based in maritime trades, manufacturing, tourism and timber. Port Townsend Paper still
remains the largest employer in the area, though mostly small and mid-size businesses thrive here. There is a strong desire to
remain a sustainable community both economically and environmentally.
Facts:
・Port of Townsend’s population is approximately 8,900.
・Jefferson County’s population is between 26-27,000.
・Established in 1851, we’re over 150 years old!
・Weather is moderate, cooler and windier than the I-5 corridor megalopolis.
・A variety of educational opportunities, including vocations such as massage,
woodworking and boat-building and the
home- schooling option in K through 12 is very popular. Community colleges
are here, and we’re only missing a four-year
accredited
college.
・Jobs are scarce, so creativity is encouraged.
・Median home prices are near $400,000…
・Our sister city is Ichikawa, Japan.
National Parks:
・Fort Worden State Park: Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center is
a 434-acre multi-use park with over two miles of
altwater shoreline and a wide variety of services and facilities. The park rests on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound.
Many historic buildings remain at this 19th century military fort.
・Old Fort Townsend:
Annual Fort2Fort Bike Ride: The Friends of Fort Worden invite you to take
a ride with history! Our supported bicycle tours
depart from Fort Worden State Park in beautiful Port Townsend, WA and roll along quiet roads through scenic Jefferson County
to either Old Fort Townsend or Fort Flagler.
Port Townsend Annual Rhododendron Festival: In 1935, Clive Buttermere,
a local businessman, convinced the Hearst Metrotone News organization to
come to Jefferson County and film the rhododendrons in bloom. Hearst provided
“short subjects” to theaters throughout the US, and visited Jefferson County
in that year to photograph the wild rhododendrons. As a prelude to Hearst’s
arrival, Mr. Buttermere and the business community organized a Queen competition
so that there could be a group of young womenphotographed with the rhododendrons.
Nominations were made and the community could vote on their favorite by
shoppingat participating merchants. Dollars spent equated votes. Myrtle
Olsen was voted the first Rhododendron Queen and filmed by Hearst. The
American Legion, having witnessed the enthusiasm of the community and the
festival spirit that was created, decided to make the celebration of the
beauty of the rhododendrons in bloom an annual event. In 1936 the first
Rhododendron Festival took Place.
Wooden Boat Festival: The premiere wooden boat gathering in North America,
Port Townsend's Wooden Boat Festival is also the most educational and beautifully
located wooden boat event in the world. Featuring 200 wooden vessels, a
who's who of wooden boat experts and thousands of wooden boat enthusiasts,
there's something to do, someone to meet or a boat to board at every turn.
Expanded a little each year, the festival honors its traditions while inviting
energetic debate about the latest
innovation.
Jefferson County Fair: The fair is held annually, during the second week
of August. As a tradition-oriented county fair, our purpose is to provide
county residents and guests of all ages the opportunity to gather together
for the recognition of those individuals and families willing to share
their accomplishments in livestock, agriculture, home and fine arts, crafts
and industry – as well as those organizations that provide education, environmental
stewardship and public service.
http://www.ptguide.com/community/index.html
http://www.cityofpt.us/