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The island was inhabited by members of the Skagit, Swinomish, Suquamish, Snohomish and other tribes. Whidbey Island was discovered in 1790 by Captain George Vancouver. In May of that year, Joseph Whidbey along with Peter Puget began to map and explore the areas of Puget Sound. Whidbey circumnavigated Whidbey Island in June, and Capt. Vancouver named it after him.
While traveling across Puget Sound, Catholic missionary Father Blanchet stayed on Whidbey Island on 26 May 1840.
In 1850, Isaac Ebey became the first permanent settler on Whidbey Island. He established Fort Ebey on the west side of the central part of the island (just northwest of Coupeville). The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is located in this area.
Primarily agriculltural, the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station at Oak Harbor is a dominant presence on the north end of the island. Further south, the island retains a rural atmosphere among its small towns, farmlands, acres of woods, and many state parks. The southern end serves as a minor bedroom community for the nearby city of EverettEverett is a city located in Snohomish County, Washington. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 91,488. It is the county seat of Snohomish County 6 and the western terminus of the western segment of U. It is also home to Boeing's 747, where the BoeingThe Boeing Company ( NYSE:BA) is a leading American aircraft and aerospace manufacturer, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with its largest production facilities near Seattle, Washington. It is also a defense contractor. It is listed on the New York Sto plant is located, as well as Seattle. In 2000, the total population was about 56,000.
It is connected to the mainland via a bridgeThis article is about the edifice. For other meanings, see Bridge (disambiguation). suspended deck compression arch bridges A bridge is a structure built to span a gorge, valley, road, railroad track, river or other body of water, or any other physical ob to Fidalgo Island over Deception Pass at the northern end. There are ferryA ferry is a boat or a ship carrying passengers, and possibly their vehicles, on a relatively short-distance, regularly-scheduled service. Ferries form an important part of the public transport systems of many waterside cities, allowing direct transit bet links at the south end ( ClintonClinton is a census-designated place and village located on south Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 868 "Clintonians". However, the post office serves at least 2,500 people. Clinton i to MukilteoMukilteo is a city located in Snohomish County, Washington. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 18,019. The name of the city derives from a Native American word meaning "Good Camping Place. History Mukilteo was officially incorporate) and the central western shore ( KeystoneKeystone is a small community on Whidbey Island near the Washington State Ferries dock to Port Townsend. It is located about 3 miles due south of Coupeville near Fort Casey State Park and Ebey's Prarie National Historic Preserve. to Port Townsend, on the Olympic Peninsula).
Whidbey Island is home to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and is renowned for Penn Cove mussels. Washington State Parks located on the island include, Deception Pass State Park , Fort Ebey State Park , Joseph Whidbey State Park , Fort Casey State Park , South Whidbey State Park , and Possession Point State Park .
Climate and Vegetation: Lying partially in the "rainshadow" of the Olympic Mountains to the west, Whidbey Island has a variety of climate zones. The most obvious are based on rainfall - wettest in the south (average rainfall -- 30 inches), driest south of Coupeville (average rainfall -- 18 - 20 inches), and moister again farther north (average rainfall -- 26 inches.) Microclimates abound, determined by proximity to water, elevation and prevaling winds. Additional variation comes from soil type. The clay or sandy and gravely soils of the south give way to dramatically rocky areas at the north end.
The result is that plant life also varies from one end of the island to the other. The south is more similar to the mainland. The principal trees are douglas-firs, red alders, bigleaf maple s, western redcedar, and western hemlocks. Vine maple s are notably absent, except where they have been planted. Other understory plants are not too surprising, including the lower longleaf Oregon-grape, red elderberries, salal, and oceanspray (and lots of nettles.) Non-native introduced plants such as foxgloves, ivies and hollies are also evident.
Farther up the island, however, the shorter Oregon-grape is seen less and tall Oregon-grape, with its wonderfully fragrant flowers predominates. The native Pacific rhododendron is much more visible. Garry oaks, (the "Oak" in Oak Harbor) become quite common deciduous trees. Pacific madrone cling to steep banks over the water. Grand fir s are more often seen. Sitka spruces and shore pines also increase in the conifer mix. The more open prairie areas even contain a native cactus.
In the rocky Deception Pass region, the most remarkable differences begin. From here through the San Juan and Gulf islands and lower Vancouver Island, picturesquely gnarled Rocky Mountain junipe rs grow near the shores. Douglas maple s, with their greater sun and drought tolerance fill the vine-maple void. Wildflowers such as camas , checker lilies , and Indian paintbrush color the earth. These unusual survivors are more commonly associated with Eastern Washington and the Rocky Mountain region.
Communities with Post Offices (North to South):
Recongnized Communities without Post Offices (North to South):