Whidbey Island

Across Puget Sound is Whidbey Island, the largest island in Puget Sound and claims to be the second longest island in the US at 55 miles. The island is located 30 miles north of Seattle and is accessible by ferry or car. The north end of the island is home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. This air station is one of the largest in the Navy and employs almost 10,000 military and civilian personnel. The island has a lot to offer, from hikes on Ebey’s Landing to the restaurants in Oak Harbor. There are many permanent residents who call Whidbey Island home, as well as vacationers who take advantage of the location for brief periods throughout the year. 

Whidbey Island was once home to various Native American tribes before being explored by Europeans. This included members of the Lower Skagit, Swinomish, Suquamish, and Snohomish tribes. In 1792, Captain George Vancouver named the island after his colleague Joseph Whidbey. The first non-Native American to stay overnight was a Catholic missionary in 1840. Lieutenant Charles Wilkes visited Penn Cove in 1841, noting a sizeable Native settlement and a Catholic mission. Holmes Harbor was named after a crewmember, Silas Holmes. Colonel Isaac N. Ebey became the first white settler in 1850, but tragically, he was killed by members of the Haida tribe in 1857. Fort Ebey, established in 1942, and Admiralty Head Lighthouse now stand as reminders of the island's history. The area around Coupeville is now a National Historical Reserve honoring Isaac Ebey, and the lighthouse is a common visitor attraction. Because of its unique position in Puget Sound, being a vantage point for spotting any incoming enemy ships, the island has a large military feel as you can explore Fort Casey and its surrounding military infrastructure. Numerous state parks on the island provide residents and visitors with many leisure and exploration opportunities.

Bonesteel, A. (2015, April 9). All about Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island - Events, Local Business and More. https://whidbeyisland.us/all-about-whidbey-island/