James Island (La Push, Washington) facts for kids
James Island (called A-ka-lat in the Quileute language, meaning "Top of the Rock") is a small island located right at the mouth of the Quillayute River. You can find it near the town of La Push, Washington. This island is very important to the Quileute people who live nearby.
The island's name has two possible stories. Some local historians say it was named after Francis Wilcox James, who was a lighthouse keeper and a friend to the Quileute people. However, another book, Origin of Washington Geographic Names, suggests it was named after Jimmie Howeshatta, a Quileute chief.
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James Island: A Place of History and Nature
James Island has a rich past and plays a vital role in its surroundings. It stands about 160 feet (49 meters) tall.
A Look into the Past
For many years, James Island was home to a strong, fortified village built by the Quileute people. This means it was a village with defenses to protect its residents. This village existed until the mid-1800s. After the village was no longer active, people from the mainland used the island for farming. It also became a special burial ground for tribal chiefs. Because of its height, the island was also a great spot for looking out for whales in the ocean.
How the Island Was Formed
Long ago, James Island was actually connected to the mainland. It was what scientists call a sea stack, which is a tall, often thin, rock column that stands in the ocean. It was once part of the coastline. The United States Army Corps of Engineers later changed the path of the Quillayute River. This rerouting caused the river to flow between the island and the mainland, making James Island a separate landmass.
Today, the United States Coast Guard helps boats navigate safely around the island. They operate an automated lighthouse and a foghorn on James Island. These tools help guide ships and boats, especially when it's foggy or dark.
Protecting James Island
James Island holds deep cultural meaning for the Quileute people. In 1966, the United States Department of the Interior made an important decision. They removed James Island from the Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge. The reason for this was to give the island back to the Quileute people. It was recognized as part of their historic Quileute Indian Reservation.
Because of its special status and cultural importance, only members of the Quileute tribe are allowed to visit James Island. This helps protect the island's history and its natural environment.
