By Patrice Campbell
Anacortes, Washington is located on Fidalgo Island. It is the U.S. gateway to the beautiful San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound. Named for Anna Curtis, the wife of Amos Bowman who founded the town, Anacortes hosts the Anacortes Jazz Festival each October.
With a population of approximately 17,000, Anacortes supports over 50 antique dealers. The downtown holds an art walk on the first Friday of each month and lovers of the outdoors revel in the fact that park or forest reserves make up 50 percent of the city's land.
Boating
Anacortes, Washington boasts the largest bareboat (boats for hire without a crew) in the world.
Growth
The city of Anacortes has set a population ceiling of 18,300.
Access
Bridges connect Anacortes to the Washington mainland.
Ferries
Reaching the San Juan Islands by ferry from the Unites States is only possible through the ferry docks in Anacortes, Washington.
Fishing
Pacific Salmon, Ling Cod, Rock Fish and Dungeness crab are the main attraction for fishermen off the shores of Anacortes.
Industry
The tiny island is home to two oil refineries.
Resources
About the Author:
Patrice Campbell, a graduate of Skagit Valley College, has more than 20 years of writing experience. She has worked as a news reporter and features writer for the "Florence Mining News" and the "Wild Rivers Guide," penned promotional material for various businesses and charities, and written for various websites.
