James Island is one of the
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Northwest of the United States between the U.S. state of Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The San Juan Islands are part of Washington state, and form the core of ...
in
San Juan County, Washington
San Juan County is a county located in the Salish Sea in the far northwestern corner of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 17,788. The county seat and only incorporated city is Friday Harbor, located on ...
, United States. It lies in
Rosario Strait
Rosario Strait is a strait in northern Washington state, separating San Juan County and Skagit and Whatcom Counties. It extends from the Strait of Juan de Fuca about north to the Strait of Georgia. The USGS defines its southern boundary as a ...
just off the eastern shore of
Decatur Island and west of the city of
Anacortes. The entire island comprises James Island State Park of the
Washington State Park System
The Washington State Park System is a set of state parks owned by the state government of Washington, USA. They are managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. There are over 140 parks throughout the state, including 19 marin ...
. It has a land area of with of saltwater shoreline. The island has no potable water
[ or residents.][ It has three different camping areas, each with at least one toilet. The camping areas combine for a total of 13 campsites and are connected by a loop trail. James Island was named by ]Charles Wilkes
Charles Wilkes (April 3, 1798 – February 8, 1877) was an American naval officer, ship's captain, and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842).
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), he commanded ' during the ...
in 1841 to commemorate the naval hero Reuben James
Reuben James ( 1776 – 3 December 1838) was a boatswain's mate of the United States Navy, famous for his heroism in the First Barbary War.
Career
Born in Delaware around 1776, James joined the United States Navy and served on several ships, ...
.Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
The Washington State Park System is a set of state parks owned by the state government of Washington, USA. They are managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. There are over 140 parks throughout the state, including 19 mari ...
in 1964.[
]
References
External links
James Island State Park
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
James Island State Park Map
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
James Island Marine State Park
San Juan Sufficiency
San Juan Islands
Uninhabited islands of Washington (state)
State parks of Washington (state)
Parks in San Juan County, Washington
Protected areas established in 1964
1964 establishments in Washington (state)
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