Last updated: August 18, 2022
Place
Edward Warbass
Kim Karu Photography
Quick Facts
Location:
Friday Harbor, WA
This life-size bronze statue, created by Gareth Curtiss, depicts Edward Warbass, the founder of the town of Friday Harbor, and his beloved dog Bob. Edward Warbass was one of the most prominent community leaders on San Juan Island during and after The Pig War. Prior to the Pig War, Warbass played a prominent role in settling the west. He moved to San Francisco as part of the California Gold Rush and became an early merchant in Astoria, Oregon. Warbass's widespread commercial activities took him all over the Pacific Northwest, where he made real estate deals and sold goods to the residents of boom town.
During The Pig War (1859) and Joint Occupation of San Juan Island (1860-1872) Warbass served as the first sutler, a merchant appointed by the army to sell supplies and other necessary goods to soldiers in the field, at American Camp. During the Pig War, Warbass operated a farm near San Juan Town, the initial population center of the island located near Old Town Lagoon and engaged in various agricultural projects such as introducing California Mountain Quail and seeding oyster beds on the island. After the resolution of the Pig War, Warbass successfully petitioned to make the San Juan Islands into their own county, independent of Whatcom County which had previously held jurisdiction. He also spearheaded the push to relocate the town population from disreputable San Juan Town to Friday Harbor where he claimed land on behalf of the local government. From 1873-1876, Warbass’ was the only resident of Friday Harbor, where he served as county auditor in the small shack that was the county’s first courthouse and municipal building. Warbass’ tireless advocacy eventually paid off and by the time of Warbass’ death in 1906, Friday Harbor was a bustling town that had realized his dream.
During The Pig War (1859) and Joint Occupation of San Juan Island (1860-1872) Warbass served as the first sutler, a merchant appointed by the army to sell supplies and other necessary goods to soldiers in the field, at American Camp. During the Pig War, Warbass operated a farm near San Juan Town, the initial population center of the island located near Old Town Lagoon and engaged in various agricultural projects such as introducing California Mountain Quail and seeding oyster beds on the island. After the resolution of the Pig War, Warbass successfully petitioned to make the San Juan Islands into their own county, independent of Whatcom County which had previously held jurisdiction. He also spearheaded the push to relocate the town population from disreputable San Juan Town to Friday Harbor where he claimed land on behalf of the local government. From 1873-1876, Warbass’ was the only resident of Friday Harbor, where he served as county auditor in the small shack that was the county’s first courthouse and municipal building. Warbass’ tireless advocacy eventually paid off and by the time of Warbass’ death in 1906, Friday Harbor was a bustling town that had realized his dream.