The Early Exploration of Inland Washington Waters

Book excerpt: For those armchair historians interested in the initial nautical exploration of inland Washington waters, this text is a significant addition to Northwest maritime history. Beginning in 1786 and continuing through 1792, The Early Exploration of Inland Washington Waters includes transcriptions of all of the logs and journals of the area's earliest explorers. This text follows the initial journey of John Meares, four intervening expeditions by the Spanish, and culminates with George Vancouver's voyage in 1792. This fascinating read includes the first European descriptions of Puget Sound Country and the people who lived here. It also records the events and history surrounding the naming of many prominent locations in the area by Vancouver including Puget Sound, Whidbey and Vashon Islands, Hood Canal, Admiralty Inlet, Mounts Rainer and Baker, etc. Readers will also be fascinated by the numerous Spanish names including the Haro Strait, Port Angeles, Padilla Bay, Sucia, Matia and Patos Islands as well as many more which did not stand the test of time. We owe our history to these early explorers; this text brings them to life.