Welcome to Eastsound, the vibrant heart of Orcas Island and the largest community in the San Juan Islands’ archipelago. Eastsound’s history begins with the Coast Salish tribes, primarily the Lummi people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years, living in harmony with the rich natural resources provided by the island and its surrounding waters. However, these early inhabitants faced threats from the Haida, a warlike tribe from the north, especially during the 19th century when they conducted raids.
The arrival of European settlers in the mid-1800s marked a significant turning point for Eastsound. Employees from the Hudson’s Bay Company were among the first non-native people to set foot on Orcas Island, originally coming to hunt deer. Unfortunately, with them came diseases like smallpox, which, alongside continued Haida raids, decimated the indigenous population.
Charles Shattuck, a pivotal figure in Eastsound’s settlement history, built the first log cabin and operated a store in the late 1850s. His establishment eventually became the site of the Outlook Inn, which still stands today as a reminder of the town’s early days. Another early settler, Michael Adams, contributed to the island’s agricultural development by planting the first apple orchard on Orcas Island.
By 1885, the community had grown enough to establish its first church, the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, founded by Reverend Sidney Robert Spencer Gray on land donated by Shattuck. This church remains a historical landmark in Eastsound, reflecting the community’s early spiritual life.
Eastsound evolved throughout the 20th century, with its economy shifting from resource-based activities like lime production and fishing to tourism. The village green, at the center of Eastsound, became a hub for community events, music performances, and the weekly farmers’ market, showcasing the island’s thriving arts and culture scene.
Today, Eastsound is a charming blend of history and modernity, with its scenic landscapes, historical markers, and vibrant community life drawing thousands of visitors each year. Its evolution from a small settlement to a bustling village speaks to the resilience and adaptability of its people over the centuries.
