Chimacum, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chimacum, Washington
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Chimacum farmer's market
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 Chimacum, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Chimacum, Washington
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Jefferson |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 360 |
Chimacum is a small, unincorporated community in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. It is located in the center of a main farming area. This area is on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula.
History of Chimacum
The community of Chimacum gets its name from the Chimakum people. These were a group of Indigenous Americans. They lived in this area until the late 1800s. The Chimakum people called themselves Aqokúlo. They were known for salmon fishing. This was a big part of their economy, culture, and religion.
Their main villages were on Port Townsend Bay and Port Ludlow Bay. A traditional story says the Chimakum were part of the Quileute tribe. They were carried by a great flood through the Olympic Mountains. This flood brought them to the other side of the peninsula.
In 1855, the Chimakum, along with the Twana and Klallam tribes, signed the Point No Point Treaty. This treaty created a special land area for them. It was located near the Skokomish River. One of the Chimakum leaders who signed was Chief Kulkakhan. He was also known as General Pierce. After this treaty, most Chimakum people joined the S’Klallam and Skokomish tribes. Their descendants still live with these tribes today.
Chimacum's Economy
The Chimacum Valley is still a strong farming area. It is known for its many small, local farms. You can find a full-service farmstand grocer there. This store sells many goods made right in the area. There is also a community farmers' market. It happens every Sunday from June to October.
The area also has a local branch of The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. This group helps farmers and communities. In 2018, they celebrated their 100th anniversary.
In 2014, a special project called the Chimacum Commons started. The Jefferson County Land Trust and Washington State University worked together. They set aside over 15 acres of farmland. This land is used for "incubator farms." These farms help new farmers learn and grow. The project also plans to offer affordable housing. It will be a place for students and farmers to learn. They can develop their skills in farming and gardening.
Education in Chimacum
Chimacum is home to the main campus of Chimacum Schools. This school district serves many communities. It includes areas in eastern Jefferson County. These are south of Port Townsend. They are also north of Quilcene. The district serves Chimacum itself, along with Port Hadlock, Irondale, Marrowstone Island, Oak Bay, Paradise Bay, Port Ludlow, and Shine.
Chimacum in Media
The famous book The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald is connected to Chimacum. This book was about her experiences on a chicken farm. The road where her farm was is now called Egg & I Rd. The popular "Ma and Pa Kettle" movies were also based on this book.
In 1970, Linda Perhacs released her album Parallelograms. One song on the album is called "Chimacum Rain." This song was inspired by the beautiful nature of Chimacum.
See also
In Spanish: Chimacum (Washington) para niños
