Agate Pass facts for kids
Agate Pass is a narrow waterway in Puget Sound, Washington. It's also known as Agate Passage. This special water channel connects Port Madison to the main part of Kitsap County. It sits between Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula, close to the town of Suquamish.
Agate Pass is about one mile (1.6 km) long and goes in a straight line towards the southwest. It's about 20 feet (6.1 m) deep. The land around the pass is covered with trees and is quite steep. The edges of the water are mostly rocky. You can also see lots of kelp, which are large seaweeds, growing along the shoreline.
Strong Water Currents
Agate Pass is known for its very strong water currents. These are called tidal currents. They can move as fast as six knots, which is about 7 miles per hour (11 km/h).
- When the flood tide comes in, the water flows towards the southwest.
- When the ebb tide goes out, the water flows towards the northeast.
These strong currents are caused by the ocean's tides moving in and out of the narrow pass.
History of Agate Pass
Agate Pass has a rich history, especially for the Suquamish people. Their traditional winter village was located right on Agate Pass.
- Old Man House: This was the biggest longhouse on all of Puget Sound. It was an important gathering place for the Suquamish people.
- Haleets: This was a special rock with ancient carvings, known as a petroglyph.
For a long time, people from Europe didn't know about Agate Pass. They thought Bainbridge Island was connected to the mainland. But in 1841, the Wilkes Expedition discovered it. This expedition was led by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Charles Wilkes. He named the pass after one of his team members, Alfred Thomas Agate.
The Agate Pass Bridge
In 1950, a major change came to Agate Pass. The Agate Pass Bridge was built. This was the first time Bainbridge Island was connected to the Kitsap Peninsula by a road.
The bridge is an important part of the area's history and transportation. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special place that should be protected because of its historical importance.
See also
In Spanish: Paso de Agate para niños
