Thomas Coupe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Coupe
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| Born | 1818 |
| Died | December 27, 1875 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Ship's Captain |
| Known for | Captain of several sailing ships, early settler of Whidbey island |
Captain Thomas Coupe (born 1818 – died December 27, 1875) was an important ship's captain. He was also one of the first people to settle on Whidbey Island in Washington state.
Contents
Early Life and Sea Adventures
Thomas Coupe was born in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1818. He started his life at sea very young, at just 12 years old! He spent many years sailing along the Atlantic Coast of North America.
In 1852, Captain Coupe sailed to the Puget Sound area. He was on a sailing ship called the Success. He even owned half of this ship.
Settling on Whidbey Island
Captain Coupe decided to make a new home on Whidbey Island. He used a special law called the Donation Land Claim Act. This law allowed people to claim land if they settled on it. Coupe claimed 320 acres in the middle of Whidbey Island.
Today, the town of Coupeville stands on the land he claimed. The town was named after him! In 1854, he built his own house there. It was made from redwood trees from California.
Amazing Sailing Feats
Captain Coupe was known for a very impressive sailing achievement. He was the only captain to sail a square-rigged ship through Deception Pass. This is a very narrow and tricky waterway. Sailing a large ship with square sails through it was a huge challenge!
He also worked as a sailing master on the Jefferson Davis. This was the first "revenue cutter" in Puget Sound. A revenue cutter was a type of ship used by the government to patrol waters and collect taxes.
Later Life and Legacy
Captain Coupe later retired from sailing. He lived on his farm on Whidbey Island until he passed away in 1875. He is buried in Sunnyside Cemetery on Whidbey Island.
Captain Coupe had two sons, named Thomas Coupe and George M. Coupe. His legacy lives on through the town of Coupeville, which still bears his name.
