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From Your Corner of Washington: Anacortes’ name

From Your Corner of Washington: Anacortes’ name

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…

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From Your Corner of Washington: Aberdeen’s name

From Your Corner of Washington: Aberdeen’s name

This community along Grays Harbor is known for its plentiful rain, logging and shipping heritage, and for being Kurt Cobain’s hometown. But do you know how Aberdeen got its name? Platted in 1884 on Samuel Benn’s homestead between the Chehalis and Wishkah rivers, Aberdeen is named after Aberdeen, Scotland. There was an Aberdeen Packing Co. on Benn’s waterfront. Mrs. James B. Stewart, who hailed from the Scottish city, suggested that the new town be called after her native burg. The packing…

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