Many people think of Anacortes as the place where hordes of vacationers and islanders flock to catch a ferry to the San Juans during the summer. But how many of you know how this beautiful town of nearly 17,000 on the northern tip of Fidalgo Island secured its name?

Pronounced “an-uh-KOR-tis,” it changed names in 1876, from Ship Harbor to Anacortes. The change was sought by town platter and promoter Amos Bowman, who gave it a Spanish-sounding version of his wife’s maiden name – Anna Curtis – so that it would better fit its setting and his real estate development dreams.

To learn more about Anacortes, go here and here. (Photo courtesy of Steve Berentson)