Whidbey Island is a small island located in the state of Washington. It lies just south of Seattle and is part of the San Juan Islands National Monument. The island is surrounded by waters that are rich in marine life, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Whidbey Island is well known for its natural resources, including forestry, agriculture, and fishing.
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History
Whidbey Island first appeared on European maps in the 1790s. The island was named by the British explorer George Vancouver for Commander William Whidbey, one of his officers on board HMS Discovery during his expedition to survey the northern coast of North America in 1792-93.
The first recorded inhabitants of Whidbey Island were Native Americans, who arrived about 10,000 years ago. By AD 1200 they had developed a Village culture that extended over most of what is now Washington and Oregon. After being displaced by advancing Euro-American forces in the 18th and 19th centuries , their descendants were absorbed into the Chinook, Straits, and other peoples of the Northwest Coast.
The island’s island was also part of a trading station known as Fort Souix in Comcomly’s Treaty with Great Britain where they ceded all interest east or northward to Russian America, today Alaska.
Although even this remote outpost is frequently used by early British mariners including Captain George Vancouver aka King George III between 1792-1795 who established Whidbey Island on his expedition to survey water routes through North america which culminated in capitulation of Michilim acinac, a treaty with the native people there.
Climate
The climate of Whidbey Island is moderated by the Pacific Ocean. The island experiences a humid maritime climate with significant rainfall and fog, which contributes to its lush landscape. Winters are mild, moisture-laden, and occasionally wet; summers are warm and dry.
Precipitation varies greatly throughout the island, ranging from along the west coast to at Wahkiakum Lake on Whidbey Island’s northeast. As with most coastal areas of Washington State, humidity is a major factor during summer months; recorded August maximum temperatures have exceeded by an average .
Fog occurs across much of island and in some low lying valleys year round.
Temperatures above occur only a few days each year (<2 days).
Culture
The culture of Whidbey Island is closely tied to its maritime traditions. The island is home to a number of lighthouses and other coastal fortifications, as well as numerous naval facilities and shipyards. Whidbey Islanders are also prominent in the sailing and rowing communities, having made significant contributions to both Olympic competitions and professional racing.
Politics
The island is a nonpartisan voting island and has not voted for a Democratic or Republican Presidential candidate in the past 50 years.
Economy
Whidbey Island is a prosperous community, with both public and private sectors playing important roles in its economy. The largest employers on the island are Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (BIDS) and Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, which together account for more than 20% of jobs on the island. Other significant employers include Puget Sound Energy, Rite Aid Corporation, Scott Paper Company, and Western Washington University.
Government Services
The island is served by the Whidbey Island precinct of the Snohomish County. The county has its own government facilities, as well as shared services with Kitsap County. Police services, public safety and jail functions are provided by county sheriff’s deputies; the island is served only by a small municipal police force, who lack jurisdiction over all of Whidbey Island.
The island also has its own fire department with three stations and approximately 50 volunteer firefighters. MFD had 3 Firefighters/ Paramedics on 7/20/16 when it responded rapidly to multiple fires due to extreme weather conditions on Bennett Bay
In addition, island residents have non-emergency access to Kitsap County medical care through Harborview Medical Center (KCMHC), which provides both general and specialty care. Medical, dental, social services and further education are provided through a partnership between KCMHC, Olympic College of Southern Washington (OCW) at Bangor Campus in Pinellas Park near Silverdale), and the island through Whidbey Island Clinic.
Tourism
The island is popular with tourists for its natural attractions and rural atmosphere. Whidbey Island is largely rural, with only a small downtown area on Harbor Island. The most popular destination on the island is Bennett Bay, which has a number of marine recreational activities available, such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing. Other major tourist destinations include Coupeville Naval Air Station (CNS) and Deception Pass State Park.
Transport
The island is served by the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is only away. The island also has a number of ferry connections to other parts of Puget Sound: Bremerton, Kingston, Victoria and Olympia.
Cuisine
Whidbey Island cuisine is distinctly different from that of the mainland. The island has a long history of subsistence farming, and many ingredients used in local cooking are not available elsewhere in Washington. Many traditional dishes on the island are variations on clam or crab Bisque, including Whidbey Clam Chowder and Crabcake Sliders.
Conclusion
Whidbey Island is a peninsula located in Puget Sound, in Washington state. The island is just south of Seattle and north of Victoria, British Columbia. It’s part of the Olympic Peninsula and forms the southernmost extent of the U.S. mainland. The island’s total land area is about 54 square miles (137 km2).
FAQs
1 . What Is The Population Of Whidbey Island?
There are about 5,500 people living on the island.
- What Are The Top Tourist Attractions On Whidbey Island?
Some of the most popular tourist destinations on Whidbey Island include: beaches, parks, golf courses, shops/malls and wineries.
3. What Are The Main Transportation Options Available To Get Around Whidbey Island?
The most common way to get around the island is by car. There are a few bus routes that run throughout the island, but they’re usually not very frequent. The only public ferry service on Whidbey Island runs from Coupeville to Seattle.
- What Are The Available Languages Spoken On Whidbey Island?
The primary language spoken on Whidbey Island is English, although there are a few notable exceptions. Spanish is also widely spoken, especially in the areas around Lopez and Sequim.
5 . What Is The Climate Like On Whidbey Island?
The island has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The warmest season is summer, and the coldest season is winter.
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