Blake Island

Blake Island is an island in Washington state. It lies in the middle of Puget Sound, south of Bainbridge Island and east of Manchester.

History

Blake Island was used as a camping ground by the Suquamish tribe. In 1866, it was the birthplace of Chief Sealth, for whom the city of Seattle was named.

Related Topics:
Suquamish - 1866 - Chief Sealth - Seattle

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The island was first noted by British explorer George Vancouver in 1792, as part of his exploration of Puget Sound, though it was not named.

Related Topics:
George Vancouver - 1792

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In 1841, Lt. Charles Wilkes of the United States Exploring Expedition named it Blake Island, although it was known locally as Smuggler's Island for some time.

Related Topics:
1841 - Charles Wilkes - United States Exploring Expedition

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In the mid 19th century, the island was logged for its timber. During Prohibition, it was frequently used as a refuge for bootleggers smuggling alcohol from Canada.

Related Topics:
19th century - Prohibition - Canada

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William Pitt Trimble, a Seattle millionaire, purchased Blake island, and renamed it Trimble Island for a time. By 1917 he and his family lived there in a magnificent estate. This came to an end in 1929, when his wife Cassandra died in an accident in Seattle. After that, the island was abandoned and the house was left to decay. Trimble sold Blake Island to an investment company in 1936, and retired in Seattle.

Related Topics:
1917 - 1929 - 1936

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In 1959, the state of Washington made the entire island a State Park.

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