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.
Ebey’s Forever Fund Grant
Funding has been provided by Ebey’s Forever Fund to help preserve and protect the rural character of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.
Erected by Central Whidbey Lions Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles
this page online
Location. 48° 13.257′ N, 122° 41.307′ W. Marker is in Coupeville, Washington, in Island County. Marker 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.
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 distance of this marker); Original Home of Seattle’s Best Coffee (within shouting distance of this marker); Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve (within shouting distance of this marker); Explore the Reserve (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coupeville.
More about this marker. The Alexander Blockhouse is currently undergoing restoration.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012
2. Restoration Detail from the Alexander Blockhouse Marker
Click on photo to enlarge the restoration plans.
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 664 times since then and 19 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.
