It’s been some weeks since the PGA Championship but there was a charming little town we visited on the Saturday morning of the year’s final Major – Port Washington.
Knowing little about the area in general it was naturally a great surprise to spend a few hours ‘discovering’ the township located about 25 miles north of Milwaukee.
Port Washington township founded in 1835.
Firstly, it continues to surprise me in attending major sportinng events that local tourism bodies including in this case www.visitportwashington.com fail to grasp what a great promotional opportunity the town lost, given the worldwide media attendance at the PGA, to promote Port Washington either by way of arranging a function one night in their town or for that matter to host a get-together in the media center or even having a physical presence at the championship.
It is only by getting off I-43 this particular morning we found our way to Port Washington.
Port Washington marina.
Port Washington was the first man-made harbour in North American and is the largest port on Lake Michigan, and naturally was named in honour of the firtst USA President George Washington.
The area was originally inhabited by the Sauk trie of native Americans, and later explored by the French before the first settlers in 1835 and given its present name in 1882.
Looking to Pierhead Lighthouse.
With a natural harbour at the mouth of Sauk Creek, the city exported cord, wood, wheat, rye flour, bricks, fish and hides, among other things.
From 1910 through 1935, Port Washington was the home of Paramount Records and other labels.
Anyway, enough background and hope you enjoy the accompanying photographs.
The distinct looking deco Port Washington lighthouse.
History of the Pierhead Lighthouse, Port Washington.
Port Washington scene 1850.
One that didn’t get away – statue at Port Washington.
Port Washington main street with Catholic Church in the background looking out over the town.
Port Washington inner waters
