Oak Harbor (Images of America)

Oak Harbor, the largest town on Whidbey Island, was first inhabited by a large population of natives. White men first arrived to the island in 1792 on Capt. George Vancouvers ship. Joseph Whidbey is credited with finding the churning passage, which he named Deception Pass, establishing that the land was indeed an island. Vancouver named the land Whidbeys Island. Three young adventurers in search of new and free landMartin Taftzon, Charles Sumner, and Ulrich Freundwere brought up the bay to Big Springs by native canoe. Taftzon scrambled up over the hill and, gazing out to his eyes delight on the beautiful harbor, exclaimed loudly, Eureka, I have discovered Paradise! On January 4, 1851, these young men filed donation land claims around the harbor. Oak Harbor was named by Dr. R.H. Lansdale.