Coupeville, located on Whidbey Island in Washington state, is a charming town with a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. This picturesque town is home to several historical sites and landmarks that offer a glimpse into its past.
From the beautifully preserved Victorian buildings in the downtown area to the historic waterfront wharf, visitors can experience the fascinating history of Coupeville firsthand.
Join us as we explore some of the most significant historical places in Coupeville, WA, and learn more about the town’s unique heritage.
1. Front Street Coupeville, Washington
Front Street in Coupeville, Washington is a charming historical area that is rich in history and beauty. The street is lined with well-preserved buildings that date back to the 19th century, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
Walking down Front Street feels like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone sidewalks and old-fashioned storefronts. One of the most notable buildings on Front Street is the Coupeville Wharf, which was originally built in 1905.
Today, the wharf is home to shops and restaurants, as well as a museum that showcases the area’s maritime history. Visitors can also walk out onto the wharf and enjoy stunning views of Penn Cove and the surrounding mountains.
Rating: 9.8
Phone: +1 360-222-3696
Address: 21 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
2. The Alexander Blockhouse
The Alexander Blockhouse is a historical structure located in Coupeville, WA, USA. It is known for its significant role in the early settlement of the area. The blockhouse was built in the mid-1850s by Colonel Granville O.
Haller as a defense against potential attacks during the Puget Sound War.Constructed out of rough-hewn logs, the blockhouse served as a fortified outpost for early settlers and military personnel.
Its strategic location overlooking Penn Cove made it an ideal vantage point for surveillance and protection.
The blockhouse was named after Captain William Nathaniel Alexander, who played a key role in its construction. Throughout its history, the Alexander Blockhouse has been a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Rating: 10
Address: 908 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: nps.gov
3. The Ebey Blockhouse
The Ebey Blockhouse is a historical gem located in Coupeville, WA, USA. This small wooden structure dates back to the mid-19th century and holds great significance in the local history of the area.
Constructed in 1855 by Isaac Ebey, a prominent early settler in the region, the blockhouse served as a defensive fortification during a period of heightened tensions with Native American tribes.
Its sturdy construction and strategic location made it a vital outpost for the early pioneers in the area. The blockhouse is a rare example of frontier architecture and provides a glimpse into the challenges and dangers faced by the early settlers in the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors to the site can explore the interior of the blockhouse and learn about its history through informative displays.
Rating: 9.4
Phone: +1 360-678-6084
Address: 162 cemetary road, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
4. Colonel’s House
The Colonel’s House in Coupeville, WA, USA is a historical site that holds a significant place in the town’s history. This beautiful house was built in the 1800s and has been preserved to showcase its original charm and splendor.
The Colonel’s House was once the residence of a prominent military figure, hence its name. Visitors to the Colonel’s House can step back in time and imagine what life was like for the original occupants.
The architecture of the house is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the builders.
The interior of the house is filled with period furnishings and decor, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. The Colonel’s House is a popular destination for history buffs and tourists looking to learn more about Coupe.
Rating: 10
Phone: +1 360-678-5050
Address: 1276 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: casey.spu.edu
5. WW1Powerhouse
The WW1 Powerhouse in Coupeville, WA, USA is a historical site that holds significant importance in the town’s history. This building served as a power station during World War 1, providing electricity to the surrounding area.
The WW1 Powerhouse played a crucial role in supporting the war effort by ensuring that essential services and industries had the power they needed to operate.
It was a vital part of the infrastructure that helped to keep the community running smoothly during a challenging time. Today, the WW1 Powerhouse stands as a reminder of the town’s past and the contributions it made to the war effort.
Visitors can explore the building and learn about its history through exhibits and displays that showcase its role in providing power to the community.
Address: Engle Rd at Coupeville Ferry Terminal, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
6. Haller House
Haller House is a historical landmark in Coupeville, WA, USA. It is a well-preserved example of Victorian architecture from the late 19th century. The house was built in 1866 by Captain Thomas Coupe, the town’s founder.
The Haller House is named after Granville O. Haller, a prominent figure in the early history of Coupeville. Haller was a Union Army officer during the Civil War and later served as the Collector of Customs for the Puget Sound region.
The house features intricate woodwork, ornate trim, and a distinctive wrap-around porch. It is a beautiful example of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that was common in the Victorian era.
Rating: 10
Phone: +1 206-619-4427
Address: 1 Front St NE, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
7. Battery Trevor
Battery Trevor is a historical site located in Coupeville, WA. This site was originally built in the late 1800s as part of the coastal defense system to protect the Puget Sound region.
The battery was named after Colonel George E. Trevor, who was a prominent figure in the military at the time. It was equipped with large guns and other artillery to defend against potential threats from the sea.
Over the years, Battery Trevor saw minimal action and was eventually decommissioned in the early 1900s.
However, the site still stands today as a reminder of the military history of the area. Visitors to Battery Trevor can explore the well-preserved remnants of the battery, including the gun emplacements and bunkers.
Rating: 9.6
Phone: +1 360-678-4519
Address: Fort Casey, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: parks.state.wa.us
8. Fort Ebey
Fort Ebey is a historical military fort located in Coupeville, WA, USA. It was built in the early 1940s as a part of the coastal defense system during World War II.
The fort was named after Isaac Neff Ebey, a prominent early settler in the area. The main purpose of Fort Ebey was to protect the Puget Sound region from potential enemy attacks. It was equipped with artillery guns, bunkers, and other military facilities.
The fort played a crucial role in defending the coast and ensuring the safety of the local residents during the war.
Today, Fort Ebey is open to the public as a state park. Visitors can explore the remains of the old military fort, including the gun emplacements and underground.
Rating: 9.6
Phone: +1 360-678-4636
Address: Fort Ebey Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: parks.state.wa.us
9. Admiralty Head Lighthouse
Admiralty Head Lighthouse is a historical gem situated within Fort Casey State Park in Coupeville, WA.
This Spanish-style lighthouse has stood the test of time, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. As you approach the lighthouse, you can’t help but admire its unique architecture and historical significance.
The red-tiled roof and whitewashed walls stand out against the backdrop of the park, making it a picturesque sight to behold.Visitors to Admiralty Head Lighthouse are in for a treat, as admission is free.
This allows everyone to explore and learn about the lighthouse’s rich history without any barriers. Inside the lighthouse, you’ll find exhibits and displays that showcase its role in guiding ships and protecting the coastline.
Rating: 9.6
Phone: +1 360-678-1186
Address: 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: washingtonlighthouses.org
10. The Davis Blockhouse
The Davis Blockhouse is a historical site located in Coupeville, WA, USA. It was built in 1855 during the Puget Sound War to protect early settlers from Native American attacks.
The blockhouse is made of hand-hewn logs and served as a fortified structure for defense. The Davis Blockhouse is one of the few remaining examples of early military architecture in the Pacific Northwest.
It stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers in the region and the conflicts that shaped the history of the area. Visitors to the Davis Blockhouse can explore the interior of the structure and learn about its history through interpretive displays.
The site offers a glimpse into the past and provides a unique opportunity to connect with the early days of settlement in.
Rating: 10
Address: 162 Cemetery Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: sunnysidecemetery.org
11. Fort Casey State Park
Fort Casey State Park is a historical site located in Coupeville, WA, USA. The park features the remnants of a military fort built in the late 1800s to protect the Puget Sound region from potential naval invasions.
Visitors can explore the fort’s gun batteries, bunkers, and other structures that played a crucial role in defending the area during times of conflict.
The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding waterways and nearby Whidbey Island. One of the main attractions at Fort Casey State Park is the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which has guided ships through the waters of Puget Sound since the late 1800s.
The lighthouse is open for tours and provides a glimpse into the area’s maritime.
Rating: 9.6
Phone: +1 360-678-4519
Address: 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: parks.state.wa.us
12. Fort Casey Underground Switchboard Room
The Fort Casey Underground Switchboard Room in Coupeville, WA, USA is a historic site that offers a unique glimpse into the past. This room was once used as a crucial communication hub during World War II, where military personnel relayed important messages and orders.
The switchboard room was a hive of activity, with operators working tirelessly to ensure that communications were clear and efficient.
Walking through the underground switchboard room today, visitors can see the old equipment that was once used to connect calls and transmit messages.
The walls are lined with rows of switches and wires, a reminder of the technological advancements of the time. The atmosphere is eerie yet fascinating, as you imagine the bustling activity that once filled this now quiet space.
Rating: 10
Phone: +1 360-678-4519
Address: Pacific NW Trail, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: parks.state.wa.us
13. The Crockett Blockhouse
The Crockett Blockhouse in Coupeville, WA, USA is a historical landmark that holds great significance in the town’s history.
The blockhouse was built in the mid-1850s by Colonel Isaac Neff Ebey as a defense against raids by local Native American tribes.
Constructed out of rough-hewn logs and equipped with gun ports, the Crockett Blockhouse served as a refuge for settlers during times of conflict.
It is one of the few remaining blockhouses in Washington state and stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by early pioneers in the region. Today, visitors can explore the Crockett Blockhouse and learn about its history through interpretive displays and guided tours.
The site offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to imagine what.
Rating: 8.8
Address: Fort Casey Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
14. Jacob & Sarah Ebey House
The Jacob & Sarah Ebey House in Coupeville, WA is a historical landmark that holds significant importance in the region.
This well-preserved house tells the story of the early settlers who played a key role in shaping the town’s history. The house was built in the mid-1850s by Jacob Ebey, a prominent figure in the area.
He and his wife Sarah were among the first pioneers to settle in Whidbey Island, and their home served as a gathering place for the community.
The architecture of the Jacob & Sarah Ebey House reflects the style of the mid-19th century, with its simple yet elegant design.
Visitors can explore the various rooms and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ebey family.
Rating: 9.6
Phone: +1 360-678-6084
Address: 162 Cemetery Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: nps.gov
15. Battery Observation Stations
The Battery Observation Stations in Coupeville, WA, USA are historical structures that played a crucial role in the defense of the Puget Sound region during World War II.
These stations were strategically placed along the coastline to monitor and protect against potential enemy attacks.
Built in the early 1940s, the Battery Observation Stations were equipped with advanced technology for that time period, including radar systems and communication devices.
The military personnel stationed at these stations were responsible for scanning the horizon for any signs of enemy ships or aircraft.
From the Battery Observation Stations, soldiers could communicate with nearby artillery batteries to coordinate a response in case of an enemy threat.
These stations were a key component of the overall defense strategy for the Puget Sound region during the war.
Rating: 9.6
Address: Pacific NW Trail, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
16. Island County Historical Museum
The Island County Historical Museum is a must-visit when exploring historical places in Coupeville, WA.
The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the region, showcasing exhibits that highlight the diverse cultures and traditions that have shaped the area over the years.
Visitors to the museum can learn about the early settlers who arrived in Coupeville in the 1850s, and the challenges they faced as they established a thriving community on the shores of Penn Cove.
The museum also features exhibits on the region’s maritime history, including displays of historic boats and fishing equipment used by early settlers.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of artifacts from the Native American tribes that have called the region home for thousands of years.
Rating: 9.2
Phone: +1 360-678-3310
Address: 908 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA 98239, United States
Website: islandhistory.org
Conclusion
Coupeville, WA is home to a number of historical places that offer visitors a glimpse into the town’s rich past.
From the Admiralty Head Lighthouse to the Jacob Ebey House, these sites provide a unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of this charming seaside town.
Whether you are interested in maritime history or pioneer life or simply enjoy exploring historic sites, Coupeville has something to offer everyone. So, next time you find yourself on Whidbey Island, be sure to take some time to explore Coupeville’s historical treasures.
Alejandro Vidal