150th Anniversary of San Juan County

Discover the History

Though San Juan County government is turning 150, the San Juan Islands have a vibrant history that pre-dates any formal government. The islands of San Juan County are home to diverse ecosystems of plants and animals that have long navigated the coastal waters, rocky shorelines, and inland forests. Indigenous Coast Salish people have and continue to steward the San Juan Islands as part of their ancestral territory since time immemorial. Their cultural practices, art, and stories share a common theme of stewardship – a value woven into the very fabric of the islands. Today, San Juan County is charged with the protection and betterment of these precious islands, their inhabitants, and resources.

Laying the foundation for San Juan County’s government began at the turn of the 20th century. In 1906, both the County’s historic courthouse and beloved annual fair were born. A celebration that “was thought to be the largest crowd ever to have assembled in Friday Harbor” gathered to lay the courthouse’s cornerstone. Under the stone, officials placed a small box containing a few tokens – coins, a list of local businesses, a program of the day's activities, drawings of the courthouse, and more. That same year, the County hosted the first San Juan County Fair in a cannery building on the Friday Harbor waterfront. Both the courthouse and County Fair remain important pillars of island life to this day.

Today, the County contributes to nearly every aspect of life in the islands – peace and justice, health and wellness, planning and development, parks and recreation, agriculture and conservation, environmental stewardship, and much more. San Juan County strives to promote and ensure the safety and vitality of its residents by providing public health and safety services, community and social programs, and enrichment opportunities. Each of our departments, partner organizations, advisory boards, and committees plays a vital role in making decisions that shape daily life in San Juan County.

Looking Forward

This year, we invite you to celebrate the rich history and legacy of the San Juan Islands, including 150 years of San Juan County’s service to the community. San Juan County is at its best when the people that call this special place home invest in the future of their community. We invite you to join us as we look forward to a bright future– whether as a volunteer in the parks, courts, or senior centers, as an employee or elected official, or by casting your vote and attending public meetings. How ever you choose to engage, we hope you’ll lend your support to San Juan County’s next 150 years.