Central Whidbey's ARCHAEOLGICAL HERITAGE

Clues to the Past Central Whidbey Island is home to Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. The area is rich with dues to the past—clues that tell us something about the people who lived here before us, and whose descendants still live in the Northwest today. These clues are archaeological resources. If destroyed, they cannot be replaced or restored. They are significant because of their potential to reach out across time. The management and protection of these clues to the past is an important responsibility for our land-use managers, planners, and ourselves. Central Whidbey Island contains at least 60 known archaeological sites, and it is likely many more are here. Most sites are evidence of American Indian activities from prehistoric times until the early part of the 20th century. A few sites represent 19th century activities of Anglo-American homesteaders. Well over two millennia of human history are probably chronicled in the landscape of the reserve. This brochure will help you better understand our rich archaeological heritage and what you can do to protect and preserve it. It was citizens like your self who recognized the significance of the area and led the fight in 1978 to create the reserve, a unit of the National Park system. Today, a trust board of residents protect and preserve it.