PRESERVATION PRINCIPLES

Coastal Strip

Location and Access

The Coastal Strip includes the beach, Peregos Lake, the shoreline and bluffs found along the eight-mile western

boundary of the reserve. Elevations range from sea level to just over 200 feet. The bluffs are sparsely vegetated,

relatively unstable and in a constant state of erosion.

Access to the area is limited to a state park trail, and the beach itself.

Significance and Integrity

The fragile and unstable nature of the Coastal Strip has historically restricted human impacts with two significant

exceptions; the landing area at Ebey's Prairie and the military emplacements associated with Fort Casey. Used over many

years by the Salish Indians and early settlers, the ravine between the beach and low point along the bluff/prairie provided

a natural landing and access area along the coast. Constructed in 1860 near the ravine, the Ferry house served pioneers

arriving at the landing and traveling overland to Penn Cove. By 1865, a county road from the landing (and bisecting

Isaac Ebey's claim) connected the shore with points north. As Penn Cove developed into a primary port area, and a ferry

dock was built at Keystone, the use of Ebey's Landing area diminished. Today the Ferry house and road remain in their

original locations and the landing area still serves as an access point for the state bluff trail and beach.

Military gun emplacements, including batteries, map rooms and bunkers, reflect the military presence on the reserve over

a fifty-year period. Although never engaged in battle, these fortifications are significant examples of military installations

during these years and remain intact. Finally, the variety of native plants and natural areas make the coastal strip a

significant natural and recreational resource on the reserve.

Admiralty Head Lighthouse, looking north.

Preservation Principles

Preservation principles for the coastal strip focus on maintaining the natural resource of the area as a context within

which significant cultural elements exist.

1. The Shoreline Management Plan which exists for all of Island County and protects natural resources of shoreline

areas, should be observed.

2. Any new structures, including residential development along bluffs and interpretive structures, should be

carefully sited in the natural context with sensitive regard to visual impact, materials, scale and color.

3. In order to protect the landing area, any regrading for vehicular circulation or construction of new access from the

beach to Ebey's Prairie should be avoided. Footpaths may be appropriate if the bluff top becomes public land.

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve

Reading the Cultural Landscape

View of Ferry house from the beach and landing area.

return to: Reading the Cultural Landscape

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Last Updated: 05-Jun-2000

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THE VISION

Cover | Preface | Introduction

Landscape Development and Settlement Patterns

Looking at Landscapes | Reading the Landscape | Preservation Principles

Appendix | Bibliography

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