Lummi Island
Understand
Lummi Island lies at the southwest corner of Whatcom County, Washington, USA, between the mainland part of the county and offshore San Juan County. The Lummi Indian Reservation is situated on a peninsula east of the island, but does not include Lummi Island. The island has a land area of 23.97 km² (9.255 sq mi) and had a population of 822 as of the 2000 census. The population nearly doubles in summer when property owners from both Canada and the U. S. arrive for summer fun and relaxation.
History
The island was originally called Sa nam a o ("High Mountain") and Skallaham by the native Indians. In 1792 Spanish explorers dubbed it Isla de Pacheco, and it was later known as McLoughlin Island. In 1853, the U.S. National Geodetic Survey charted the island as Lummi, naming it after the tribe. It is believed the name comes from luminara, referring to the bonfires the Spanish saw upon arrival and whence the tribe also took their name, though there are also theories that it is derived from a native word or phrase. The Island post office came into existence in 1882. At that time mail was addressed to "Beach Washington" which was the name of the town. Today Island mail is addressed to "Lummi Island Washington", though the Beach School and Beach Store Cafe retain the Beach community name.
Get in
By ferry
The island is accessible by a 22 car ferry, the Whatcom Chief run by Whatcom County Public Works. It is 6 minute passage from Gooseberry point on the mainland to the island.
Get around
See
Do
The island hosts a weekly farmers' market in the spring and summer, a chili festival in mid-July, and a Christmas party for island children. Lummi Island is also home to a large number of artists who conduct studio tours on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the first weekend of December.