Coupeville in Island County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Keeping the Alexander Blockhouse alive!!!
Preserving Alexander Blockhouse over time
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012
1. Keeping the Alexander Blockhouse alive!!! Marker
History
The Alexander Block house is one of four blockhouses remaining in Central Whidbey Island. Few original blockhouses of this type remain throughout the United States. John Alexander, Sr. built this blockhouse on his donation land claim in about 1855 to guard against Native American attack during the wars of 1855-1857. It may have been used instead as a “root cellar”.
The exact original location is unknown – during the 1930s, the structure was purchased by local residents and was moved from its original location on the John Alexander farm to its present location next to the Island County Historical Museum. The blockhouse has retained its physical and historic character and integrity, making it a popular tourist attraction and educational opportunity for many decades.
Central Whidbey Lions Club
Volunteers from Central Whidbey Lions Club are serving their community by preserving the blockhouse.
Ebeys Forever Fund Grant
Funding has been provided by Ebeys Forever Fund to help preserve and protect the rural character of Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve.
Erected by Central Whidbey
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 48° 13.257′ N, 122° 41.307′ W. Marker is in Coupeville, Washington, in Island County. It is on NW Alexander Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 908 NW Alexander Street, Coupeville WA 98239, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cross Built for Father Blanchet's Visit (a few steps from this marker); In Home Port After Eight Decades (within shouting distance of this marker); A Canoe Crossroads (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Highways (within shouting
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012
2. Restoration Detail from the Alexander Blockhouse Marker
Click on photo to enlarge the restoration plans.
More about this marker. The Alexander Blockhouse is currently undergoing restoration.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012
3. The Alexander Blockhouse
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012
4. The Alexander Blockhouse
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012
5. Second floor, interior of the Alexander Blockhouse
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,012 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 10, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
