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Westport

In 1851 Washington became a territory and several small communities sprang up in Chehalis County (later renamed Grays Harbor County), organized in 1854. The first city to be incorporated in this new count was Chehalis City in 1861, at the westermost point in Chehalis County.

This settlement had many other firsts -- including the first discovery of gold (1859), the first church service (1859), first white child born (1858), and the first schoolhouse (1859). Chehalis City had to give up its name when a larger town in Lewis County requested it. It was known briefly as Patterson's Point but soon this city on the south bank of Grays Harbor was named Westport and this it is today.

Westport is known for its commercial fishing, terrific marina, and city history. If you love to fish, you can get a charter and go fishing for Salmon, Halibut, Tuna and more. Check the services page to find out more about these charter services.

Westport isn't all fishing, there are a number of fun activities and beaches to explore. You might want to stop by the Maritime Museum, or go take a look at Grays Harbor Lighthouse, there is even a great go-kart track in town. If you like searching for rocks, sea shells and the like, visit the south jetty during low tide. If you can't find what you are looking for stop by the viewing tower at the Marina. This will give you a terrific panoramic view of the Westport area.

While staying in Westport you can easily take a ferry across Grays Harbor to Ocean Shores and spend the day on the other side of the bay. Between these two cities, there isn't much more a coastal community could ever offer its vacationers. We are certain that you will enjoy visiting the Westport area.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Westport Maritime Museum - Home of the Destruction Island Lighthouse Lens.Our historic museum building was built in 1939 to serve as the Coast Guard's Lifeboat Station, Grays Harbor. The Colonial Revival structure served in that role until 1972 when a new station was built several blocks to the South. The Maritime Museum opened in the 1939 building in 1985.

Westport Light State Park - is a 212-acre day-use park on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. The park offers a panoramic view of the sea. The historic Westport Lighthouse is adjacent to the park. A concrete boardwalk traverses the primary dune, connecting this park with Westhaven State Park, 1.3 miles away.