Earning its namesake directly from the Wilkes' expedition of 1841, picturesque Gig Harbor has its roots as a bustling fishing village that became established during the rugged colonial era in Washington state.  Almost 250 years later, the village has grown to almost 7,000 residents, and is a popular port for commercial fishermen and a multitude of recreational boaters and sailors.  Outside the village, almost 65,000 residents call Gig Harbor "home".

Located across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma, Gig Harbor is a growing and thriving small city.  A second bridge was just constructed and opened in July 2007, and construction has begun for a new hospital, YMCA, Costco, and "Uptown Gig Harbor" shopping center.  Along with these commercial developments, there are a number of new residential housing developments underway.  City Planners and active community members have been working hard to maintain Historical Preservation, sensitivity to the environment, and design continuity during this process.

 

For an even more in-depth historical description, click on the floowing link to read the Gig Harbor Historical Society's interpretation: