Irondale - Washington Ghost Town

IRONDALE

NAME: Irondale
COUNTY: Jefferson
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 6
CLIMATE: Cool winter and summer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime.

COMMENTS: Semi-ghost.
REMAINS: Many original buildings.

Irondale was founded with the thought of becoming the most important iron and steel producer west of the Rocky Mountains. The first blast furnace began operations in January of 1881. It was a small installation capable of processing only five tons of ore daily. With improved furnaces, 2,317 tons of pig iron was produced in 1883, averaging about that same amount annually for the next five years. The town of Irondale was platted to serve a work force of 250 men. By 1883, there were several saloons, stables, a grist mill, and an assortment of hotels, boarding houses and homes along streets that plunged downhill toward the bay. As time passed, the plant grew to employ 400 workers, and homes and businesses sprawled across the plateau above the beachside location of the foundry on Port Townsend Bay. The company then experienced several reorganizations and recapitalizations. With an uncertain future and a declining economy, the company ceased operations in 1889. Several years later, others made attempts to revitalize the operation and the town without success. Today, Irondale is populated by retirees and vacation homeowners. Submitted by Henry Chenowith.

Irondale was founded with the thought of becoming the most important iron and steel producer west of the Rocky Mountains. The first blast furnace began operations in January of 1881. It was a small installation capable of processing only five tons of ore daily. With improved furnaces, 2,317 tons of pig iron was produced in 1883, averaging about that same amount annually for the next five years. The town of Irondale was platted to serve a work force of 250 men. By 1883, there were several saloons, stables, a grist mill, and an assortment of hotels, boarding houses and homes along streets that plunged downhill toward the bay. As time passed, the plant grew to employ 400 workers, and homes and businesses sprawled across the plateau above the beachside location of the foundry on Port Townsend Bay. The company then experienced several reorganizations and recapitalizations. With an uncertain future and a declining economy, the company ceased operations in 1889. Several years later, others made attempts to revitalize the operation and the town without success. Today, Irondale is populated by retirees and vacation homeowners. Submitted by Henry Chenowith.

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