Smith Island: Only Yesterday

Viewed as a small spot across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Port Townsend, Washington, Smith Island is approximately fifteen acres in area, a half mile in length and from a height of 55 feet at the west end drops to nearly sea level on the east end. At low tide it is connected to an islet known as Minor Island. Smith Island was the site of one of the original 16 light stations constructed on the west coast in the 1850's and the site of the last Indian uprising in the area. For many years it was dependent on the town of Port Townsend for supplies. Through the years a number of sailing vessels grounded on its shoals. All were gotten off, although it was several months before the Minnie A. Caine was refloated in 1901.