Point Wilson facts for kids
Point Wilson is a special piece of land in Washington, United States. It's located at the very end of the Quimper Peninsula. This peninsula is a part of the larger Olympic Peninsula. Point Wilson is the most northeastern tip of Jefferson County. It sits about two miles north of the town of Port Townsend.
This low, wide strip of sand stretches more than half a mile into the water. It marks the entrance to Admiralty Inlet. This inlet connects to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. At Point Wilson, the main shipping channel gets narrow. It then makes a sharp turn south into Puget Sound.
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Why Point Wilson is Important
Point Wilson is a key spot for ships and weather. It has a lighthouse and a weather station.
The Point Wilson Lighthouse
The waters around Point Wilson can be tricky. There are hidden sandbanks called shoals. Strong currents called rip-tides are common. Also, thick fog often covers the area. Because of these dangers, a lighthouse was needed.
The first lighthouse was built on Point Wilson in 1879. Later, in 1913, the current Point Wilson Lighthouse was built. The United States Lighthouse Service built this new lighthouse. It helps guide ships safely through the narrow channel.
Point Wilson Weather Station
Point Wilson is also home to a meteorological station. This station collects important weather information. It helps forecasters understand the weather patterns in the area. This is useful for ships and people living nearby.
History of Point Wilson
Point Wilson has a rich history, known by different names over time.
Native American Names
Long ago, Native American tribes lived in this area. The Chimakum Indians called this point Kam-kam-ho. The S'Klallam Indians had a similar name for it: Kam-Kum.
European Discovery and Naming
Europeans first found Point Wilson on July 5, 1790. Two explorers, Juan Carrasco and Manuel Quimper, discovered it. Later, on June 5, 1792, Captain George Vancouver of the Royal Navy named the point. He named it Point Wilson to honor his friend and colleague, Captain George Wilson.
