From Your Corner: Coupeville’s name
Located along picturesque Penn Cove on the northern half of Whidbey Island, Coupeville is a small, charming town of about 1,900 people that draws many tourists and visitors who step foot on Washington’s largest island and one of the largest islands in the lower 48 states. Coupeville is a great place to watch the annual Whidbey Island Race Week sailing competition (pictured below) in July.
So how did the Island County seat acquire its name? Penn Cove was settled by Col. Isaac Ebey in 1850. Ebey also founded Ebey’s Landing, a once-thriving stop for Puget Sound commerce across Admiralty Inlet from Port Townsend. In 1852, retired sea captain Thomas Coupe homesteaded nearby. In 1857, Ebey was murdered during a raid by Haida Indians from British Columbia. During this time, Coupe had the county seat platted and named for him.
More ideas for things to do in Coupeville and other info is available through the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce and the town of Coupeville.
Information about Coupeville’s name was found in “Washington State Place Names,” authored by James W. Phillips. Photo courtesy of the Whidbey Examiner.
22 thoughts on “From Your Corner: Coupeville’s name”
I have actually been to a Whidbey Island Race when I lived in North Van, BC and it was great. The people are wonderful! I grew up in St. Thomas USVI and grew up sailing. It was such a great time.
Wow, I’ve never been but after reading so many posts, I’ll definitely try and make it there.
What an absolutely beautiful place! Thinking we’ll be there to see Whidbey Island Race Week !
Waw, 1900 people, i wonder how the social dynamics is between them.
Coupeville is like paradise. I have been there last year. I can reccomend the nicest restaurant in town. Just in the middle of the central alee.
wondering to know when I can go there…
This place like heaven, just 1,900 people, i want quite my job and move to there !
its like a paradise…coooool!!
i want quite my job and move to there What an absolutely beautiful place!
Blue heaven, where the sky, sails and calm water embraced. I cant imagine heaven, but wish to go there.
wow, looks really really nice. Will tryo to make it there second half of the year!
Wow this is awesome! I need more free time!
Wow… I wonder if the sailing competition is still going on yearly.
there’s really a beautiful place
love it
nice place
beautiful place. I hope to get there someday
Wow, I’ve never been but after reading so many posts, I’ll definitely try and make it there.
there’s really a beautiful place
Coupeville is like paradise, a very beautiful place.
Nice place. I’m planning to go there on my next vacation.
I was there at the annual whidbey island race week sailing competition. I recommend this location!
My uncle is fan of Whidbey Island, he and his family go there in every year
What a beautiful place and perfect for summer getaway.
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