Port Angeles | |
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City | |
Port Angeles harbor and the Olympic Mountains
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Motto: The Center of it All on the Olympic Peninsula | |
Location of Port Angeles in Clallam County and Washington |
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Coordinates: 48°06′47″N 123°26′27″W / 48.11306°N 123.44083°WCoordinates: 48°06′47″N 123°26′27″W / 48.11306°N 123.44083°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Washington |
County | Clallam |
Incorporated | 1890 |
Government | |
• Type | Council-manager |
• Mayor | Patrick Downie |
Area | |
• Total | 14.52 sq mi (37.61 km2) |
• Land | 10.70 sq mi (27.71 km2) |
• Water | 3.82 sq mi (9.89 km2) |
Elevation | 32 ft (17 m) |
Population (2010) | |
• Total | 19,038 |
• Estimate (2015) | 19,448 |
• Density | 1,779.3/sq mi (687.0/km2) |
Time zone | Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8) |
• Summer (DST) | Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7) |
ZIP codes | 98362, 98363 |
Area code(s) | 360 |
FIPS code | 53-55365 |
GNIS feature ID | 1524581 |
Website | City of Port Angeles |
Port Angeles is a city in and the county seat of Clallam County, Washington, United States. With a population of 19,038 as of the 2010 census, it is the largest city in the county. The population was estimated at 19,448 in 2015 by the Office of Financial Management.
The City's harbor was dubbed Puerto de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Port of Our Lady of the Angels) by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza in 1791. By the mid-19th century, after settlement by English speakers from the United States, the name was shortened and partially anglicized to its current form, Port Angeles Harbor.
Port Angeles is home to Peninsula College. It is the birthplace of football hall of famer John Elway and residents include writers and artists. The city is served by William R. Fairchild International Airport. Ferry service is provided across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on the M/V Coho.
This area was long occupied by succeeding cultures of indigenous peoples. In 1791 the harbor was entered by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza, who named it Puerto de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Port of Our Lady of the Angels), claiming it for Spain. He was on an expedition from southern California. This name was shortened to the current one of Port Angeles.
The first Europeans to the area tended to trade with the Native Americans. It was not until the 19th century that European Americans began to settle here. A small whaling, fishing and shipping village developed, which traded with Victoria, British Columbia. In 1856–1857, the first settlers arrived and they were followed by the Cherbourg Land Company in 1859.