You know what? "Samish Island is actually two islands", in case you didn't know. "A tombolo, a type of coastal land feature, connects them" (Page 5, Samish Island a History by Susan and Fred Miller). 

"Argillite (aar·juh·lite) is a metamorphic type rock that is extremely solid, massive, and dense. This boulder on Samish has been tilted to roughly sixty-degree angles as a result of the collision with the North American plate and being pushed northward along fault lines." (Page 6, Samish Island a History by Susan and Fred Miller).

The Na Dene, who were highly accomplished fishermen and/or hunters and gatherers, were the original inhabitants of Samish Island. They were the ancestors of the Coast Salish.

The Samish tribe survived horrible diseases and bloody wars is evidence of their resilience and ties to a complex system of beliefs and customs.

"One of the most important elements of the religious life of the Salish tribe was the acquisition of their personal spirit. After puberty, girls and boys were guided in ways to obtain their own guardian spirit to protect and guide them throughout life. They were taught to earn their spirit, through purifying baths, fasting, exercises and to overcome their greatest fears such as being alone, the dark and or spirit ghosts." (Page 49, Samish Island a History by Susan and Fred Miller)

"Mr. And Mrs. George C. Hopley, who knew the island in the 1800’s, remembered that there was once a permanent native settlement on the north side of the island below what was the Eathe Scott place (now the Community of Christ church property). The tribe had a long tepee, or community house, made of split shakes of cedar placed on end. There were holes in the shook roof above the fire, with a lot of smoke coming out." (Page 79, Samish Island a History by Susan and Fred Miller.)

“The U.S government began surveying on Samish Island in 1853. Gold was discovered in California in 1848, and in 1858 came the Fraser River gold rush. These things combined to encourage the migration to the great northwest. And Samish Island was one of the chief shipping points.” (Page 83, Samish Island a History by Susan and Fred Miller.)

“Through the years fire destroyed  many homes and businesses on the island. Some of these were: Dan Dingwall’s store; the Lewis dance hall; the Snohomish house; the Scott house; the Titus house; and the Atlanta Hotels." (Page 214, Samish Island a History by Susan and Fred Miller)

There used to be two stores on the island to supply the locals however,  currently there aren't any stores.  Now that owning a car is much more common, you now must drive a minimum of 10 minutes to get to the nearest store! (And that's if it isn't Birder season.)

"During prohibition days," (1920s) "it was reported that the island was a popular destination for the so-called rum-runners. They were reported  to have used every trick of the trade to get their booze ashore. When the Gilkeys were towing logs to Edison, in the tower were several large, hollow cedar logs. What an ideal place to sneak and hike barrels of whiskey ashore without even the Gilkeys knowing about the illegal joy juice." (Page 194, Samish Island a History by Susan and Fred Miller)

To move a 40-ton fin whale carcass, Samish Island finds a way

By: Paige Cornwell