Possession Sound facts for kids

Possession Sound is a special part of Puget Sound in the state of Washington, United States. It's a body of water located between Whidbey Island and the coast of Snohomish County. You can find it near the cities of Everett and Mukilteo.

Possession Sound acts like a watery highway, linking the main part of Puget Sound in the south to other areas like Saratoga Passage and Port Susan in the north. The Snohomish River also flows into Possession Sound at a spot called Port Gardner Bay. You'll also find Gedney Island, which is often called Hat Island, right in the middle of Possession Sound.

How Possession Sound Got Its Name

Possession Sound was given its name by a famous explorer named George Vancouver. He was a British naval officer who explored the Pacific Ocean.

On June 3, 1792, Vancouver landed near where the city of Everett is today. He held a special ceremony to celebrate the birthday of King George III of Britain. During this ceremony, Vancouver officially claimed the land for Britain, calling it "New Georgia." This important event also led to the naming of Possession Sound, along with other nearby places like Port Gardner, Port Susan, and the Gulf of Georgia.

The Great Slide of 1825

In 1825, a big natural event happened in Possession Sound. A large part of the southern tip of Camano Island suddenly slid into the water. This event is known as the Great Slide.

When the land slid into the sound, it created a large wave, similar to a small tsunami. This wave affected nearby Hat Island. After this event, the Tulalip Native American people, who lived in the area, mainly used Hat Island for seasonal clamming.

Crossing Possession Sound

Today, one of the easiest ways to cross the narrowest part of Possession Sound is by ferry. The Washington State Route 525 ferry route connects Mukilteo on the mainland to Clinton on Whidbey Island. This passenger ferry service is a busy route for people traveling between these two areas.