COUPEVILLE HOME OF THE SEA CAPTAINS

Coupeville is named for Thomas Coupe, a New England sea captain who claimed land on the shore of Penn Cove because of its commercial potential. Whidbey Islanders depended on boats — first canoes, then sailing ships and steamers — as a link to the rest of the world. Known collectively as the "Mosquito Fleet", the steamers brought the mail, visitors, and goods from the mainland, and took island farmers' produce to the market. The town Captain Coupe laid out in the 1850s quickly grew in Central Whidbey Island's main trade and government center. The long wharf that extends into Penn Cove at the foot of Alexander Street contributed to the area's prosperity by helping farmers ship their produce to Seattle, Tacoma, and other communities on the mainland. Development in the area has remained concentrated in and around Coupeville. The downtown area retains much of its pioneer flavor. False-fronted structures like the ones that line Front Street were popular among late-19th century merchants who wanted their small buildings to look substantial and permanent. Many downtown buildings still have apartments on their upper floors with businesses below — just as was the custom when they were built. The surrounding neighborhoods also reflect the early residents' way of life. Many of the historic houses still stand on oversize lots; in some cases, orchards, outbuildings, and small-scale features such as walls, gates, and old-fashioned gardens remain. WHILE YOU ARE HERE . . . Visit the Island County Historical Society Museum to learn more about the island's history. The museum exhibits are accessible. A historic blockhouse stands in front of the museum, as does a shelter housing five American Indian racing canoes. Have your "Passport to Your Parks" stamped at the museum. Walk out onto the wharf and enjoy the breathtaking views across Penn Cove and (on a clear day) of Mt. Baker. Explore Front Street and the adjacent neighborhoods. The Historical Society's Walk Through History is a guided walking tour that will introduce you to some of Coupeville's historic buildings. It takes about one hour; information is available at the museum (fee). Facilities include public restrooms, located across the street from the Alexander Blockhouse, and picnic sites, playground and restrooms in the Town Park, a block west of the wharf overlooking the water. Accessible restrooms are located in the Island County Historical Society Museum. To reach the Ebey's Prairie Wayside, follow Main Street across Hwy. 20. You will pass several grand Victorian houses on your way out of town. After you cross Hwy. 20, watch for the enormous boulder on the right. It is a glacial erratic, dropped by the Vashon Glacier on the otherwise smooth prairie. Proceed to Prairie Center, a small settlement that served farmers and military personnel from Fort Casey early in the 20th century. Activity centered around Pat's Place, now the Tyee Motel and Restaurant, on the left side of the road. Continue through Prairie Center. Main Street becomes Engle Road as you emerge onto Ebey's Prairie. The rich soils of the prairies attracted Central Whidbey Island's first settlers, and farming continues to thrive here. Several of the historic farms remain along Engle Road. They are typical of farms in the area; house, barns and out-buildings are clustered together near the road so that the surrounding farmland can be used efficiently. The Ebey's Prairie Wayside is located 1.3 miles south of Prairie Center on Engle Road.