The history of modern Anacortes is closely tied to the name of railroad surveyor Amos Bowman. He arrived on Fidalgo Island in 1877 and, recognizing the area's potential, moved his family here. The official date of the city's incorporation is 1891. The origin of the name is noteworthy: Bowman decided to immortalize his wife's name, Anna Curtis, by creatively modifying its sound to "Anacortes."
Key Factors of Formation
The city's development was determined by a combination of ambitious plans and a unique geographical location:
The "New York of the West" Dream: Bowman actively promoted the idea of making the city the terminus for the Northern Pacific Railroad, which triggered a real estate boom and an influx of investment in the late 19th century.
Geography and Navigation: Its location on an island with a convenient, protected deep-water harbor made the site an ideal port for maritime trade.
Early Economy and Culture
Although the railroad boom proved temporary, the city quickly pivoted to utilizing the region's natural resources. Logging and fishing formed the basis of the early economy. Soon, the coastline was lined with sawmills and salmon canneries, which for many years served as the foundation of the local community's prosperity and shaped the city's character as a hardworking maritime port.
Timeline
Key Milestones in Anacortes History
The city's history has evolved from indigenous settlements to its status as a major maritime port and tourism hub. Below are the key events that shaped modern Anacortes.
Pre-1870s — The lands on Fidalgo Island were inhabited by the Samish and Swinomish tribes, whose culture was closely tied to the sea and fishing.
1877 — Amos Bowman arrived on the island and chose a site for the future city, planning to turn it into a major railroad hub.
1879 — The first post office opened, officially establishing the name "Anacortes" for the settlement.
1890 — The city experienced a brief construction boom fueled by rumors that it would become the terminus for a transcontinental railroad.
1891 — On May 19, Anacortes was officially incorporated and granted city status.
1893 — The economic panic in the United States ended the city's railroad ambitions, forcing the economy to shift toward natural resources.
Early 20th Century — Thanks to its numerous canneries, the city earned the unofficial title of "Salmon Canning Capital of the World."
1935 — The Deception Pass Bridge opened, connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island and the mainland, significantly simplifying logistics.
1955 — Construction began on the first major oil refinery, marking a new stage of industrialization for the region.
1960s — The development of the Washington State Ferries system strengthened the city's role as the primary maritime gateway to the San Juan Islands and Sidney, BC.
1980s — The city launched an active program to revitalize the waterfront and develop tourism infrastructure.
Present Day — Anacortes thrives as a center for maritime tourism, shipbuilding, and a popular vacation destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Milestones
Stages of Development and Transformation
The history of Anacortes is a series of economic adaptations and urban planning decisions that transformed it from an ambitious project into a thriving maritime center. The city's development can be divided into several key stages:
Railroad Boom (1890s): An attempt to make the city the terminus of a transcontinental railroad.
Significance: A wide street network and a city plan designed for a metropolis were established. Although the railroad was never completed as planned, this infrastructure allowed the city to grow comfortably in the future without major redesigns.
The "Salmon Capital of the World" Era (1900–1940s): Rapid development of salmon canneries and sawmills along the shoreline.
Significance: A shift from a speculative real estate economy to real production. This created a solid economic base and shaped the city's character as a working maritime port.
Overcoming Isolation (1935): The opening of the Deception Pass Bridge.
Significance: A radical change in logistics. The arrival of a reliable road connection to the mainland boosted tourism and facilitated trade, reducing dependence on water transport.
Industrialization and Oil Refining (1950s): Construction of major oil refineries (Shell and Texaco/Marathon) on the March Point peninsula.
Significance: A global economic transformation. The city gained a stable source of tax revenue and high-paying jobs, which helped maintain a high standard of living and develop social infrastructure.
"Gateway to the Islands" Status (1960s – Present): Modernization of the Washington State Ferries terminal.
Significance: Anacortes became a key regional transport hub serving the flow of tourists to the San Juan Islands and Canada (Sidney, BC), stimulating the growth of the hotel and restaurant business.
Revitalization and Maritime Technology (1980s – Present): Development of shipbuilding, marinas, and the renovation of the historic downtown.
Significance: Economic diversification. The city successfully repurposed old industrial zones, turning into a center for yachting, the arts, and maritime tourism while maintaining its industrial potential.
Architecture
Urban Design and Features
The architectural landscape of Anacortes is unique because it was designed for a much larger scale than it has today. During the railroad boom of the 1890s, the city was envisioned as the "New York of the West," leaving a legacy of wide avenues and a clear grid system uncommon for small coastal towns. Today’s Anacortes is an eclectic mix of historic late-19th-century brick buildings, maritime industrial architecture, and modern residences in the Pacific Northwest style.
Architectural Styles and Eras
The city's development can be traced through its shifting architectural trends, each corresponding to a specific stage in the region's economic history:
Victorian Commercial and Neo-Romanesque Styles (1890s): The era of founding and "great expectations." This period is characterized by monumental brick buildings in the city center, designed to demonstrate stability and prosperity.
Example: The McNaught Building (now the Majestic Inn), built in 1889.
Arts and Crafts Movement and Mission Revival Style (1900–1920s): A period of stabilization. Residential areas are dominated by cozy bungalows, while public buildings emphasize functionality and the aesthetic of simple forms.
Example: The Great Northern Depot (1911) with its characteristic tiled roof and brickwork.
Folk Art Architecture (1910–1920s): A unique chapter in the city's history associated with self-taught architect Jean Baptiste LePage. He used local stone and pebbles to create whimsical mosaic structures.
Example: Causland Memorial Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Maritime Industrial Style (Mid-20th Century – Present): Pragmatic architecture dictated by the needs of the port and fishing industries. Large hangars, docks, and repurposed canneries shape the shoreline.
Iconic Buildings and Landmarks
Several key landmarks define the city's character and reflect its history:
Majestic Inn and Spa: A former office building that became a symbol of the historic center's revival. Its cupola and brick facade dominate Commercial Avenue.
Anacortes Public Library (Former): Built with funds from Andrew Carnegie, this building now serves as the city museum and is a classic example of early 20th-century public architecture.
Old Town District: A concentration of historic Victorian-era cottages that have been restored to preserve the atmosphere of the early settlement.
W.T. Preston: Although not a building, this historic sternwheeler snagboat parked on land is a major architectural landmark on the waterfront and a monument to maritime engineering.
Notable People
Notable People of Anacortes
The history and culture of Anacortes have been shaped by individuals whose names are known both locally and globally. From city founders to modern artists, these figures have made significant contributions to the region's development and popularity.
Amos Bowman Role: City founder, civil engineer.
Significance: It was Bowman who recognized the strategic potential of Fidalgo Island in 1877. He designed the city’s first plan and actively promoted it as a future metropolis and railroad terminal, laying the foundations for Anacortes' modern infrastructure.
Burl Ives Role: Actor, folk singer, Oscar winner.
Significance: The legendary performer, known for his roles in "The Big Country" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," chose Anacortes as his home in his later years. His presence brought attention to the city as a destination for a peaceful and scenic lifestyle.
Morris Graves Role: Painter, representative of the "Northwest School."
Significance: One of the most influential artists of the Pacific Northwest. For a long time, he lived and worked in his secluded studio-residence "The Rock" on Lake Campbell near Anacortes, drawing inspiration from the local nature.
Craig Bartlett Role: Animator, writer, director.
Significance: Creator of the cult animated series "Hey Arnold!". Bartlett grew up in Anacortes, and elements of the city, its architecture, and atmosphere are reflected in the visual style of his work.
Phil Elverum Role: Musician, producer, artist.
Significance: Founder of the musical projects The Microphones and Mount Eerie. Elverum is a key figure in American indie music, and his work is inextricably linked with the imagery and nature of Anacortes, making the city famous among music lovers worldwide.
Harry Leon Causland Role: Soldier, national hero.
Significance: A local native who died heroically during World War I while saving his comrades. Causland Memorial Park, a unique architectural landmark in Anacortes listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, is named in his honor.