Port Orchard was platted in 1886, incorporated in 1890 and was the first town in Kitsap County. Its strategic position on Sinclair Inlet, the beautiful panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the abundant natural resources has always made Port Orchard a special place. As the County Seat and important port of call for the Mosquito Fleet, Port Orchard was instrumental in the development of Kitsap County.

The first settlement was made in 1873 by Robert Campbell at the corner of Sidney and Bay. When Sidney Stevens landed at Mitchell Point in 1885, he envisioned a town west of Blackjack Creek and bought the land for $900. Stevens’ son, Frederick, named streets for family members, and christened the town Sidney for his father. Henry Cline started the first store just west of the Brick Hotel. The post office was secured in 1888. Henry Cline was the first postmaster. The town incorporated on September 15, 1890, in Slaughter (now Kitsap) County, and became the county seat in 1893. Thomas Cline built the first wharf in 1889. Streets were graded and business “grew with phenomenal rapidity.” The naval station was located in Bremerton in 1892. In 1895 the entire business district was almost destroyed by fire.

Sidney became Port Orchard in 1903. The name for the main thoroughfare became Bay Street as it originally edged along the waterfront. Much of the hill had to be excavated to erect buildings on the “land” side of the street. Structures on the “water” side were actually built on pilings over the water. In 1901, there were two churches, excellent schools, and lodges of Masons, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen, Woodcraft, and Good Templars.

The Sidney pier is still in use, with the marina park nearby. Marine access is no longer available from Frederick and Harrison Streets.